The western Pacific archipelago of Palau has approved the creation of a marine sanctuary. The sanctuary becomes the world’s sixth-largest fully protected area. This means that 80% of the nation’s maritime territory is now designated as a reserve. The bill to create it was passed unanimously, 16-0 in the house of delegates, and the senate voted to adopt it. The declaration of the President of Palau can be found here, together with the Act.
The area of the sanctuary as depicted by Pew Charitable Trusts.
