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Often called “the rainforests of the sea”, coral reefs form some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth - providing a home for a myriad of species of marine flora and fauna.

In addition, coral reefs also provide shoreline protection and functions as a source of food and income for local communities. Healthy coral reefs are major tourist attractions - generated mostly from nature based tourism such as scuba diving and snorkeling.

Corals grow very slowly and the formation of an entire coral reef ecosystem takes thousands of years. Although they look and feel solid, corals are very fragile and can be easily destroyed. Apart from natural phenomena such as hurricanes and coral pests, human activities also pose serious threats to these invaluable sites.

By being informed and acting responsibly, you can avoid causing damage and help protect the coral reefs you are visiting.

WHAT IS A CORAL REEF?

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There are several coral reef ecosystems, home to dozens of types of coral species and other marine animals and plants, in the Pangandaran Nature Reserve. When visiting these precious sites, remember to:

HOW CAN I

HELP TO PRESERVE CORAL REEFS?

It can take years for a broken coral to be restored to its original condition.

Furthermore, corals and other marine organisms are very sensitive to bacterial infections transferred onto them by humans.

In addition, respecting the distance to marine life is good for your own safety, as some species of corals and animals have a sting which could be fatal upon contact.

AVOID TOUCHING OR STEPPING ON CORAL OR OTHER OCEAN CREATURES

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Mangrove/Hutan Bakau

Seagrass/Padang Lamun

Coral Reef/Terumbu Karang

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Sea bottom stirred by human movement can lift sand sediment, making the water

turbid. Stirred sediment will cover the coral polyps and kill them.

Boost power from propeller rotation can break corals or list the sands. More over, hitting a hard coral can cause the propeller to break.

MOVE CAREFULLY, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE CLOSE TO THE SEA BOTTOM

AVOID TURNING ON BOAT ENGINES AT SHALLOW WATER

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USE FLOATING ANCHORS AROUND CORAL REEFS

One of the main causes of coral damage is anchor throwing. If the anchor gets stuck on the coral, the hook might up lift

it from the sea bottom and kill it. Always throw the anchor on the sandy bottom or use anchor ropes or a floating anchor.

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Garbage in the ocean not only ruins its beauty, but can also be fatal for marine animals – many of them die from eating garbage that they have

mistaken for food. Collect all your garbage while you are out at sea, and dispose of it in a bin when you return to land.

DO NOT THROW GARBAGE INTO THE OCEAN

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Using spear guns around tourist areas is very dangerous, not only because it could be harmful to other visitors but it could also

harm surrounding coral reefs when it misses the target.

DO NOT FISH ANY JUVENILE OR SPAWNING FISH

All marine animals serve a purpose to the environment, even after they have died.

Buying souvenirs made from marine life threatens the balance of marine ecosystems.

DON’T USE SPEAR GUNS TO CATCH FISH

By participating in conservation activities or making a donation to organizations working to

protect coral reefs, you can support their preservation directly and also set a positive examples for others.

DO NOT TAKE HOME OR BUY MARINE ANIMAL SOUVENIRS

SUPPORT CORAL CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES

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When fishing, be selective! Release the fish if it is a juvenile or during its spawning time. This action could help sustain local fish stocks.

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Share your knowledge with other visitors, family and friends to help spread awareness about the importance of acting responsibly to protect coral reefs ecosystems.

BE A CORAL REEF AMBASSADOR

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Due to its rich flora and fauna, the Pananjung peninsula and its surrounding marine areas in Pangandaran was declared a Nature Reserve by Indonesian authorities in 1990. Monitoring of the coral reefs in Pangandaran by Padjajaran University in 2008 and 2011showed that theaverage coverage of healthy living coral among the reefs in the area was as low as 36%.

STREAM (‘Sustainable Tourism through Energy Efficiency with Adaptation and Mitigation Measures’) is a joint collaboration between the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Indonesian Ministry of

ABOUT THE CORAL RESTORATION PROGRAM IN PANGANDARAN

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Tourism and Creative Economy, serving as a practical example of how the tourism sector can be a positive force for action and engage local communities to be part of continuous, sustainable solutions to environmental issues.

As part of the STREAM project, the Indonesia Ecotourism Network (Indecon) is managing a coral rehabilitation program together with the Conservation Bureau of Natural Resources (BKSDA) of West Java. Project elements include coral reef plantation and continuous monitoring, training with local tourism guides, dive operators and fishermen, and a coral reef adoption programme aimed at tourists.

More than one thousand coral fragments have been transplanted in Pangandaran, but they need years to fully develop into beautiful and colorful corals. It is a long and delicate process, but you can help the process by following the steps in this guideline.

Together we can protect the corals!

For more information please visit: www.streamindonesia.org

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STEPS FOR RESTORING BEAUTIFUL CORALREEFS IN PANGANDARAN

1. SURVEY AND OBSERVATION

Prior to any activities, Nature Reserve rangers, marine biologists and construction experts surveyed the locations to determine the best method for restoration, examine the water conditions and scout existing species.

2. CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF ARTIFICIAL REEF

Just like humans, corals need a good house to grow. Due to the strong under water currents in Pangandaran, concrete blocks provide the best house as they sit still on the sea bed and provide strong footage for the corals. When the corals grow healthily, they cover the concrete completely.

3.PLANTING

In Pangandaran, coral fragments from Acroporidae sp.are used because they can be found locally and grows fast. The coral fragment is cut properly (±10 cm length) and transported to the planting location, where divers tie them to the concrete blocks. The coral fragments cannot be out of the water for too long, or they will get stressed and die.

4. MONITORING, NURTURING AND MAINTENANCE

Besides a good house, coral reefs also need a good environment to grow. This means clear water (without solid waste and toxic liquids), suitable water temperature and no physical obstructions. Experts regularly monitor the corals growth to measure whether they are healthy.

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