'We don't mind being the first nation to ban these chemicals, and we will do our part to spread the word.'
Palau's pioneering ban on"reef toxic" sunscreens has come into effect as the tiny Pacific island nation introduced strict environmental measures that also include one of the world's largest marine sanctuaries.
Palau, which lies in the western Pacific about halfway between Australia and Japan, is renowned for its marine life and is regarded as one of the world's best diving destinations, but the government is concerned its popularity is coming at a cost.'A nail in our coffins': Fiji clergyman tells Scott Morrison coal is killing the Pacific region
With Palau's popular dive sites regularly packed with tourists there were concerns a build-up of these chemicals would irreparably harm the reefs.
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