As of this year, the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon has been inscribed on the World Heritage List, becoming Palau’s first World Heritage Site.
The vast marine site of Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is recognized for its exceptional ecological diversity, coral reefs, lagoon and limestone islands and marine lakes. As a result of their isolation from each other, all 52 marine lakes are a diversity of different marine ecosystems.
“The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is an outstanding example of how marine ecosystems and communities develop,” says Tim Badman, Director of IUCN’s World Heritage Program. “Its marine lakes are ‘natural laboratories’ where new species discoveries continue to be made. IUCN welcomes Palau joining the World Heritage family and hopes that the World Heritage status will help further enhance the protection of this important area for securing people’s livelihoods and adapting to the effects of climate change.”
NECO Marine provided photographs and information for Palau’s Heritage site application.
Neco Marine 