CORALS FOR ECOTOURISM: CASE STUDY IN PAHAWANG ISLAND - Novriadi, M.Si.

Summary

This video discusses the coral conservation efforts on Pahawang Island, focusing on the importance of coral reefs and the threats they face, such as climate change and over-tourism. It highlights the role of coral polyps, their symbiotic relationship with algae, and their vital contribution to marine life. The video also introduces a unique conservation program allowing non-divers to participate through the Sea Walker initiative, where tourists can directly plant and adopt coral. It emphasizes the need for community-based conservation and invites viewers to engage in efforts to protect and restore coral ecosystems.

Takeaways

• 😀 Corals are not plants, they are marine animals made up of polyps that live in colonies and build skeletons made of calcium carbonate.
• 😀 Corals have a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae, which provide food and color to the corals.
• 😀 Coral reefs support over 25% of all marine life on Earth and provide food, shelter, and protection to over 1 million species.
• 😀 Despite covering less than 0.1% of the ocean floor, coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.
• 😀 500 million people globally rely on coral reefs for food, jobs, and coastal protection, particularly in tropical coastal communities.
• 😀 Climate change poses a significant threat to coral reefs, with a 1°C rise in temperature since the pre-industrial era causing the loss of 50% of corals worldwide.
• 😀 Local threats to coral reefs include destructive fishing practices, tourism activities like snorkeling that damage the reefs, and coral breaking due to human interference.
• 😀 Pahawang Island, known for its coral reefs, has an estimated tourism value of 6.9 trillion rupiah, but 60% of its coral cover is now degraded.
• 😀 Coral restoration efforts in Pahawang include coral transplantation using fragments that are grown in nursery areas before being transplanted to damaged reef zones.
• 😀 The 'Sea Walker' program enables non-divers to participate in coral restoration by walking on the sea floor with a special helmet and transplanting corals, making conservation efforts more inclusive.

Q & A

What are corals and how do they form coral reefs?

Corals are animals made up of tiny marine creatures called polyps. These polyps live in colonies, building hard skeletons from calcium carbonate. Over time, these skeletons accumulate, forming large reef structures known as coral reefs.

What role do algae play in coral survival?

Corals have a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae. These algae perform photosynthesis, providing food and color to the corals. While the corals are transparent, the algae’s pigments give them their color.

How fast do corals grow?

Corals grow slowly, at a rate of about 1 to 10 cm per year. However, they can build massive reefs over centuries.

What is the global significance of coral reefs?

Coral reefs cover 375,000 kilometers of the ocean floor, supporting over 1 million species and providing food, shelter, and protection to marine life. Additionally, around 500 million people globally depend on coral reefs for food, jobs, and coastal protection.

What global threats are corals facing?

Corals are significantly threatened by climate change. A rise of just 1°C in ocean temperatures since pre-industrial times has already led to the loss of 50% of coral reefs worldwide. Without action, we could face a future without coral reefs.

What are some local threats to coral reefs in Pahawang Island?

Local threats to corals in Pahawang Island include destructive fishing methods like bomb fishing, tourist activities such as snorkeling that damage reefs, and improper boat anchoring. These factors have caused significant coral degradation, leading to reefs turning into rubble.

How is the coral conservation effort in Pahawang Island being carried out?

Coral conservation efforts in Pahawang include transplanting coral fragments. These fragments are initially placed in a nursery ground to heal before being moved to degraded reef areas. The use of scuba gear is essential for this process.

How can non-divers contribute to coral conservation in Pahawang?

Non-divers can participate in coral conservation through the Sea Walker program, where tourists walk on the sea floor using a special helmet to transplant corals. This makes coral restoration inclusive, allowing everyone to get involved, regardless of diving skills.

What is the role of the local community in coral conservation?

The local community is actively involved in coral conservation by being trained in coral restoration techniques, including coral transplantation. This community-based approach ensures sustainable and effective conservation practices.

What is the economic value of Pahawang Island's coral reefs?

Pahawang Island's coral reefs have an estimated economic value of 6.9 trillion rupiah (approximately $460 million USD), primarily from eco-tourism and the ecosystem services provided by the coral reefs.