World’s sixth largest marine reserve in South Pacific Pitcairn Islands offers breathtaking views

The Pacific island nation of Palau has announced the creation of what will be the sixth largest fully protected marine reserve in the world. With the conservation of 700 species of coral and thousands of fish species, it is also seen as a way for the island nation to boost tourism.

The move holds great significance as about 1 million square miles of ocean have been declared as highly protected in 2015 alone. This is said to be greater than any year in the past, as reported by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

"When you think about it from the perspective of the planet, the last 12 or 13 months, there's been more of the planet protected than at any time in our history," claimed Matt Rand, Pew's Global Ocean Legacy project director, via The Independent UK. Palau Island's new reserve follows the proclamation of the Pitcairn Island Marine Reserve, which stretches 332,000 square miles and the largest marine reserve ever known.

The Pitcairn Island Marine Reserve was dedicated by Britain in March 2015 and is followed by the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary of New Zealand, Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park of Chile and the proposed Easter Island Reserve. The Easter Island reserve, although announced by Chilean president Michelle Bachelet and proposed by the indigenous Rapa Nui people, is yet to be finalized, according to the same report.

But not only that protecting its natural resources will have more benefit the Palau Island, its tourism also forms a chunk of economic revenue generated by the island nation, known particularly for diving. The move may serve as a branding opportunity in addition to UNESCO's World Heritage List.

The Visit Pitcairn website also shows how adventurous travelers would enjoy the stay in the islands. Numerous activities await guests, including visiting the Pitcairn Island Museum, visitors of Pitcairn also love the opportunity to purchase stamps and postcards from the local Post Office, they can also browse Pitcairn's local Curio and Craft Market, they could also drive a quad bike, and local Dive trips are also available for tourists.

And because it is now considered as fully protected marine reserves to form the highest class of ocean conservation, the areas are becoming off limits to dumping, drilling, fishing and other uses. Each year, the Pitcairn tourism reports massive increase in the islands' revenues as more and more tourists want to visit these well-known islands.