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Sea turtles are safe at the reserve enlarged by President Obama
The Hawaii Islands are a paradise for any tourists, with their rich flora and exotic fauna. Current President Barack Obama intends to create an ocean reserve in the beautiful islands, but it is not any reserve. It is believed to be the largest such animal sanctuary in the world.
The announcement of the new safe place for aquatic animals was made Friday, on August 26. The new reserve will be placed around the Hawaii Islands, and it is actually the expansion of an already existing one, namely Papahānaumokuākea (which is pronounced Papa-ha-now-mow-koo-ah-kay-ah). The entire reserve will be 582,578 square miles, which is 1.5 million square kilometers. It will also include both territories at the shore and in the ocean.
The plan for the enlarged ocean reserve proposed by President Obama is an adequate measure which will protect habitats and animals in their natural environment. In the Hawaiian area live approximately 7000 species which depend on the marine environment, including some endangered species, like whales and sea turtles.
Because large areas around Papahānaumokuākea will also become part of the reserve, fishing will be forbidden here.
The intricate name of the resort comes from local gods couple Papahanaumoku and Wakea, rulers of the earth and sky. The initial name of the reserve was Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument and was built by former president of the United States, George W. Bush.
The Hawaiian reverse is among the UNESCO heritage sites for six years now, from 2010, but thanks to the improvements planned by President Obama, it could also become a record holder for the largest such sanctuary in the world. Now the reserve is four times bigger than it initially was in 2006.
Such initiatives are highly appreciated by biologists and specialists around the world, as climate change, pollution, overfishing and other human activities break the balance of natural ecosystems. Reserves are among the best methods to protect the wildlife.
According to U.S. News, the Pew Charitable Trusts represented a supportive factor in the action of enlarging the reserve. Joshua S. Reichert declared on behalf of Pew Charitable Trusts:
“By expanding the monument, President Obama has increased protections for one of the most biologically and culturally significant places on the planet.” (Joshua S. Reichert, Pew Charitable Trusts)
The visit of President Obama to the Hawaii islands, which are also his homeland, is scheduled for next week, on September 1.
Image courtesy of: Wikipedia
