Pristine Palau – Press Release

Koror, March 17, 2025 (09:00 GMT+10). His Excellency President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. today received Professor Gunter Pauli, the author of The Blue Economy and a well-known innovator, who presented his latest book, PRISTINE PALAU. This 200-page paperback is full of surprises and innovations. Pauli, who has designed economic growth for countries like Argentina and Morocco, and who has developed successful strategies to double the population on islands like El Hierro (Spain) and Bonaire (Caribbean), presents a portfolio of opportunities that would bring Palau back home and motivate investors to participate in local projects.

Palau is known for its exceptional biodiversity. Pauli advocates for electronic DNA, which he calls "sea gold." He focuses on identifying sequences that, over time, could become a valuable asset for Palau. He then proposes new underwater communication systems, starting with the ability for people to communicate while submerged. He explains how video transmission from the camera to the ship eliminates the problems associated with memory cards and facilitates the mapping and monitoring of coral reefs.

In a chapter on purposeful tourism, Mr. Pauli announces a new diving program that includes divers participating in DNA sampling using precise underwater GPS, something previously considered impossible. Pauli calls this data culture, as opposed to data exploitation, arguing that Palau can gather the information the country needs. When asked why he proposed launching these innovations in Palau and not Japan, he notes that change happens rapidly at the periphery: "The center will always resist creative destruction, while smaller nations will see opportunities to make leaps forward.".

The President of Palau praised the book: “It convinces me of the potential of a small nation. Pauli clearly explains that we shouldn't try to be competitive by being cheap, but rather by generating more value, starting with our biodiversity.” Stan Shih, the founder of the ACER Group, wrote in the foreword that “Palau is surprising.” The octogenarian accompanied Pauli to Palau to emphasize how ready he is to invest in the business models Pauli proposes.

The paperback is printed on stone paper, made from mining waste without a drop of water and without cutting down a single tree. This paper is composed of 80% rock dust and 20% polymer and can be recycled infinitely (also without a drop of water).