26 September 2012: Palau has received the Future Policy Award 2012 in recognition of its 2003 Protected Areas Network Act and 2009 Shark Haven Act. Two Silver Awards recognized the Philippines, for its 2010 Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Act, and Namibia, for its 2000 Marine Resources Act. The winners were announced during a press conference at UN Headquarters in New York, US.

According to the international jury for the Award, the three winning policies contribute most effectively to the sustainable management of the world’s oceans and coasts for the benefit of current and future generations.

Palau’s Shark Haven Act was the first of its kind, and will serve to protect over 100 species of deep water and reef sharks in Palau’s waters. It was enacted despite pressure from international fishing fleets. The country’s Protected Areas Network Act incorporates a network of nationally representative protected areas, managed by local communities and states and ensuring long-term sustainable use of resources, and it has institutional flexibility to adapt to future changes.

Namibia’s Marine Resources Act was selected for instituting an ecologically and economically viable fishing industry.

The Philippines’ Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Act ensures the effective management of the Tubbataha reefs, a UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritabe Site and hotspot of coral reef biodiversity, by strengthening the legislative mandate of its managing bodies.

The Award is an initiative of the World Future Council, along with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), with support from the Okeanos Foundation. [Future Policy Press Release] [World Future Council Factsheet on Winning Policies] [Press Conference Webcast]