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On the morning of March 23 local time, President Tsai Ing-wen toured Nikko Bay and the Dolphins Pacific sanctuary by boat, where she learned about Palau’s progress in ecological conservation as part of her Oceans of Democracy state visit. Palau President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. personally piloted the boat.
President Tsai boarded the boat at the Palau Royal Resort docks, and President Remengesau, as an expression of utmost courtesy and respect, personally piloted the craft to give President Tsai a tour of Palau’s world-renowned ocean scenery. President Tsai and her delegation first proceeded to Nikko Bay, where ecologist Yimnang Golbuu briefed her on the bay's unique ecosystem, while ROC (Taiwan) Ambassador to Palau Wallace M.G. Chow (周民淦) pointed out various Taiwanese tourist hotels around the bay.
Located in a scenic lagoon south of Koror City, Nikko Bay is punctuated by dozens of mushroom-shaped limestone Rock Islands. The verdant beauty of the islands is uniquely accented by the surrounding blue waters and brilliant coral reefs.
The two heads of state then proceeded to Dolphins Pacific, where they were greeted by Hiroyuki Tanaka, president and CEO of the non-profit organization. Mr. Tanaka accompanied them as they inspected the results of the organization’s efforts to restore the local dolphin population. He explained that the dolphins there are restored in a free environment, and often return after swimming away.
The government of Palau is dedicated to preserving its natural environment and achieving sustainable development, as evidenced by the establishment of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary. Dolphins Pacific, located just north of the Rock Islands and not far from Koror City, was established in 2000 as a facility for dolphin research and education. It currently accepts group tours by reservation.
Among those present were Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥), other members of the visiting delegation, and ROC (Taiwan) Ambassador to Palau Wallace M.G. Chow (周民淦).
