Sihai network

Palau banned sunscreen, violators will be fined $1000

Original title: the world's first Pacific island country Palau banned sunscreen harmful to coral reefs

2 January, according to the Taiwan joint news network, since the 1 day of local time, the Pacific island country Palau has implemented strict new laws, prohibiting the use of sunscreen lotion containing harmful components of coral reefs, and offenders fined 1000 dollars. It is reported that Palau is the first country in the world to ban some sunscreen products by legislation. In addition, the country also established one of the world's largest marine protected areas on the same day.

Palau President remengesau said: "we must respect the living environment, because the environment is the place where life is born. Without it, Palau people cannot survive."

Palau is located in the Western Pacific Ocean between Australia and Japan. With rich marine ecology, Palau is regarded as one of the best diving resorts in the world. According to Raymond Gosau, scientific evidence shows that most sunscreen lotions contain chemicals that are toxic to coral reefs, even though they are very small.

Since 2020, any sunscreen lotion that has been toxic to coral reefs will be confiscated and fined, whether carried by imported Palau or local.

Raymond Gosau said: "Palau's important habitats have found toxic chemicals in sunscreen lotion. We don't mind being the first country to ban these chemicals, and we will do our part to convey this message. "

In addition to the ban on sunscreen, Palau's new marine protected areas have also entered into force on the same day. Under the new regulations, commercial fishing or other marine activities, including mining and shark fin taking, are prohibited in the 500000 square kilometers of sea area in Palau's exclusive economic zone, equivalent to 80% of the area. Foreign vessels operating in the protected areas must declare their catches and pay export taxes in Palau.