Palau, the island country located in the western Pacific Ocean, are leading the way into a brave new world of ecotourism with their revolutionary ‘eco-pledge’ system.

Visitors to the tiny nation of Palau are being forced to sign a ‘promise’ to respect the environment in a bid to bring a halt to the ecological damage caused by the increased numbers of tourists.

In order to gain access, tourists will now have to sign a stamp on their passports to ensure that they promise to “tread lightly, act kindly and explore mindfully.”

“Palau is the first nation on earth to change its immigration laws for the cause of environmental protection,” the official website states. “Upon entry, visitors need to sign a passport pledge to act in an ecologically responsible way on the island, for the sake of Palau’s children and future generations of Palauans.”

Tommy Remengesau, the president of the Republic of Palau, said: “It is our responsibility to show our guests how to respect our island home, just as it is their duty to uphold the signed pledge when visiting.”

Superb. I mean, who wouldn’t want to preserve this?