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Sea Turtle Conservation Tourism in West Sulawesi
WINDONESIA June 6, 2024
Illustrative photo of a sea turtle. (Mongabay).
Conservation efforts are essential to protect and manage natural resources amidst the growing environmental degradation caused by both natural and human factors. One significant focus of marine conservation is the protection of sea turtles. A key initiative in this area is the establishment of conservation-based special interest tourism zones, currently being implemented on Salissingan and Gusung Durian Islands in the Balabalakang Islands region, Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi Province.
"The stage has reached socialization to the community, forming a map of the area's location, delineating the boundaries of the turtle tourism area, and installing information boards. This proposal has been approved by the community and the provincial government because the process of determining tourist locations involved the local community and has been socialized and discussed with various stakeholders, including the people of Salissingan Island," Universitas Hasanuddin marine conservationist and professor Chair Rani said in Makassar on Jan. 2, 2024.
Prof. Rani highlighted that the Balabalakang Islands, particularly Salissingan and Gusung Durian Islands, are ideal for this special interest tourist area as they lie on a crucial turtle migration route in Indonesia. However, the seagrass beds and coral reefs in these locations have degraded, posing a threat to the turtle population.
Salissingan Island is part of the marine conservation area utilization zone, which is intended for tourism, cultivation, and fishing rather than strict protection.
"So the presence of turtles there can be used as a tourist attraction. Because the object is turtles, the presence of turtles is the main thing in its future development and its existence must be maintained if it is to be developed," he explained.
The total area designated for turtle special interest tourism in the two mapped locations is 57.21 ha, with 27.77 ha in the waters of Salissingan Island and 29.44 ha in Gusung Durian.
For Salissingan Island, there are three specific tourist areas: Location A in the south with an 18.03 ha coral reef transplant area; Location B, also in the south, with a 3.19 ha area; and Location C in the west with a 6.55 ha seagrass transplant area.
"For the sustainability of this activity, at the end of the project period, management will be handed over to the West Sulawesi Provincial government through the Provincial Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service to be developed and included in the Conservation Area Management Program Plan in the waters of Balabalakang Island."
The establishment of this tourist area aims not only to protect turtles but also to boost the local economy through the development of boat rentals, accommodation, souvenir shops, food stalls, and tour guide services.
The special interest tourist area in the Balabalakang Islands is part of the Mubadala ID2 project, conducted by MPRG in collaboration with the Mubadala Foundation since 2021 and scheduled to end in 2024.
The Mubadala ID2 project aims to create a suitable habitat for turtles in the Balabalakang Islands. Supporting turtle conservation and migration on small islands requires healthy ecosystems, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds.
Source: www.mongabay.co.id