Watch Travel Wild - Palau: The Making of a Sanctuary

Travel Wild - Palau: The Making of a Sanctuary is a visually stunning and informative documentary film that explores the unique archipelago of Palau, located in the Western Pacific Ocean. The film takes viewers on a journey through the history, culture, and natural wonders of this remote island nation, and showcases the efforts of local conservationists to protect its pristine marine environment.

The film begins with a brief introduction to the history of Palau, starting with its formation from a coral atoll millions of years ago, to its colonization by various powers throughout history. We learn about the strong cultural traditions of the Palauan people, and how they have always been intrinsically linked to the ocean and its resources. Viewers are also introduced to the incredible biodiversity of Palau's marine environment, including its coral reefs, sharks, and other fascinating marine species.

As the film progresses, we are introduced to the challenges that Palau faces as a small island nation. With its relatively small population and limited resources, Palau is vulnerable to a variety of environmental threats, including rising sea levels, overfishing, and pollution from outside sources. Despite these challenges, local conservationists are working tirelessly to protect Palau's precious marine life and environment.

One of the main focuses of the film is on the establishment of Palau's sanctuary system. In 2015, Palau's president, Tommy Remengesau, Jr., announced the creation of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, which would protect 80% of the country's exclusive economic zone from fishing and other forms of extraction. This bold move by Palau's government was met with both praise and criticism, and the film delves into the debates and discussions surrounding the creation of the sanctuary.

Through interviews with local scientists, activists, and policymakers, we learn about the scientific and economic rationale behind the sanctuary system, as well as the challenges that it poses to Palau's fishing industry and other stakeholders. We also get a glimpse into the day-to-day work of local conservationists, as they conduct research, monitor the health of the marine environment, and educate the public about the importance of conservation.

The film is a feast for the eyes, with breathtaking footage of Palau's underwater world and stunning aerial shots of its islands and lagoons. The filmmakers use a variety of filming techniques, from drone footage to underwater cameras, to showcase the beauty and complexity of Palau's marine environment. Viewers are treated to close-up shots of colorful coral formations, schools of fish, and majestic sharks and rays.

In addition to its stunning visuals, the film also provides a wealth of information about Palau's biodiversity, ecology, and conservation efforts. The filmmakers use a combination of narration, interviews, and on-screen graphics to convey scientific information in an accessible and engaging way. Viewers will come away from the film with a deeper appreciation for the wonders of Palau's marine environment, as well as an understanding of the challenges it faces and the efforts being made to protect it.

Overall, Travel Wild - Palau: The Making of a Sanctuary is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in marine conservation, biodiversity, or the natural wonders of the world. With its stunning visuals, informative content, and inspiring message of hope, the film is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.