Can eco-tourism help save the ocean?

Summary

The Coral Triangle, a biodiverse hotspot in Indonesia, faces threats from destructive fishing and poaching. A couple, Andrew and Marit Miners, established a marine protected area in Misool, funded by a luxury eco-resort, revitalizing the economy and protecting marine life. The area has seen a 600% increase in fish biomass and 25 times more sharks. Their model could inspire global conservation efforts, showing that protecting natural resources is profitable.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The Coral Triangle is exceptionally biodiverse, hosting more marine life than any other region.
• 🚫 In Indonesia, destructive fishing and illegal poaching are significant threats to marine species.
• 💡 A couple devised a business model that revitalized the local economy and positively impacted marine life.
• 🐢 Ahmad and his team, the ocean rangers, patrol a marine protected area to prevent poaching.
• 🚨 The Misool marine protected area is a 465 square mile reserve where fishing is banned to protect marine life.
• 👮‍♂️ Rangers work with military police to arrest illegal fishermen and protect the marine area.
• 🏝️ Andrew and Marit Miners were moved to action after witnessing the devastation of marine life during a diving trip.
• 💼 They created a marine protected area funded sustainably by a luxury eco-resort, providing an economic alternative.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The eco-resort employs over 200 locals, shifting from extractive to non-extractive work.
• 🐠 The protected area has seen a significant increase in fish biomass and shark populations.
• 💸 The conservation efforts have been profitable, attracting high-end tourists and supporting the local economy.
• 🌐 The success of this model could inspire similar ventures globally, emphasizing the value of conservation over extraction.

Q & A

What is the Coral Triangle known for?

The Coral Triangle is known for being one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, with more life found in its waters than anywhere else in the world.

What threats are facing marine life in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, marine life is threatened by destructive fishing practices and illegal poaching.

How does the business model devised by the couple in the script help the local economy and marine life?

The business model revitalizes the local economy by providing economic alternatives to fishing, and it protects marine life by creating a marine protected area funded sustainably by a luxury eco-resort.

What is the role of Ahmad and his team of ocean rangers?

Ahmad and his team of ocean rangers patrol the Misool marine protected area to stop illegal fishermen and poachers, ensuring the protection of the area and its marine life.

What is the significance of the Misool marine protected area?

The Misool marine protected area is a 465 square mile reserve in eastern Indonesia where all fishing is banned, and it plays a crucial role in the conservation of marine life.

What was the initial reaction of Andrew and Marit Miners when they first visited the area?

Andrew and Marit Miners were shocked by the scene of carnage and destruction they found, including remnants of a shark finning camp, which led them to decide to protect the area.

How did Andrew and Marit Miners approach the local village leaders to create the marine protected area?

They petitioned the local village leaders to lease them the land and surrounding waters to create a marine protected area that would be sustainably funded.

What economic opportunities did Andrew and Marit create for the local people?

They created non-extractive work opportunities by employing over 200 people, providing them with income from the eco-resort and conservation efforts.

How has Ahmad's role in the community changed over time?

Ahmad has transitioned from being a fisherman to a conservationist, working as a ranger to patrol the reef and carry out anti-poaching missions.

What is the importance of protecting sea turtle eggs and hatchlings in the area?

Protecting sea turtle eggs and hatchlings is vital because only one in 1,000 sea turtle hatchlings will survive to adulthood, and their survival contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem.

What changes have been observed in the marine protected area over the last 12 years?

Over the last 12 years, the fish biomass has increased by up to 600% in some areas, and there are now 25 times more sharks inside the reserve than just outside.

How does the business model of the eco-resort contribute to the conservation of marine life?

The eco-resort's business model contributes to marine life conservation by providing an economic incentive for protecting natural resources, making it profitable for the marine environment and the business.

What is the global value of coral reef dive tourism, and how might this business model impact it?

Globally, coral reef dive tourism is valued at $36 billion annually. If the business model can be replicated, it could provide hope for huge areas of our ocean and change the economics of conservation versus extraction.

What is the dream scenario for Andrew and Marit regarding their business model?

Their dream scenario is for Misool to become the gold standard for private enterprise doing conservation, encouraging other hotel chains and tourism operators to start similar ventures.

Outlines

00:00

🐠 Coral Triangle: A Haven for Marine Life Under Threat

The Coral Triangle, located in Indonesia, is recognized as one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. However, it faces significant threats from destructive fishing practices and illegal poaching, endangering marine species. A couple, Ahmad and his team, have implemented a pioneering business model that has revitalized the local economy and positively impacted marine life. They established a marine protected area in Misool, eastern Indonesia, where all fishing is prohibited. The area's success hinges on the efforts of rangers and military police in stopping illegal fishermen. Andrew and Marit Miners, after witnessing the devastation caused by shark finning, decided to lease the land and waters from local village leaders to create a sustainably funded marine protected area through a luxury eco-resort. This initiative has provided economic alternatives to the local community, who were previously reliant on destructive fishing practices.

05:27

🐢 Marine Conservation Leads to Economic Prosperity

In the Misool marine protected area, the survival of sea turtles is critical, as only one in a thousand hatchlings makes it to adulthood. Poaching is a significant threat, but the area has seen a remarkable transformation over the past 12 years, with fish biomass increasing by up to 600% and shark populations increasing 25-fold. This has made the area more attractive to high-end tourists, proving that conservation can be profitable. The business model of the eco-resort is sustainable and beneficial to both the marine environment and the local economy. Globally, coral reef dive tourism is a $36 billion industry annually, and the success of this model could inspire similar ventures. The local community, which has been fishing these waters for centuries, now benefits more from the marine protected area than from fishing, ensuring a sustainable future for their way of life.

Keywords

💡Coral Triangle

The Coral Triangle is a region in the marine biodiversity hotspot in Southeast Asia. It is known for having the highest number of coral species on Earth. In the video, it is highlighted as a place under threat from destructive fishing practices and illegal activities, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts in this area.

💡Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular ecosystem or on Earth as a whole. It includes the variety within species, between species, and of ecosystems. The video emphasizes the Coral Triangle's exceptional biodiversity, which is at risk due to human activities.

💡Destructive fishing practices

Destructive fishing practices are methods that damage the marine environment and deplete fish stocks, such as blast fishing or cyanide fishing. The script mentions these practices as threats to marine life in Indonesia, illustrating the need for conservation.

💡Illegal poaching

Illegal poaching refers to the unauthorized hunting, capturing, or killing of wildlife, which is a significant threat to endangered species. The video discusses the issue of turtle poaching, which is a direct result of illegal activities threatening marine life.

💡Marine protected area (MPA)

A Marine Protected Area is a designated region of ocean where human activity is regulated to protect marine ecosystems. The script describes the Misool marine protected area, a 465 square mile reserve in eastern Indonesia, where all fishing is banned to protect marine life.

💡Ocean rangers

Ocean rangers are individuals who patrol marine protected areas to enforce regulations and protect marine life from illegal activities. In the video, Ahmad and his team of ocean rangers are depicted as the guardians of the marine protected area, intercepting illegal fishermen.

💡Sustainable funding

Sustainable funding refers to financial support that can be maintained over the long term without depleting resources or causing environmental harm. The video discusses how Andrew and Marit Miners created a marine protected area funded by a luxury eco-resort, providing a sustainable economic model for conservation.

💡Non-extractive work

Non-extractive work involves economic activities that do not involve the extraction of natural resources, such as fishing or mining. The script explains how Andrew and Marit provided employment for locals through non-extractive work, promoting conservation and an alternative livelihood.

💡Endangered species

Endangered species are those that are at risk of extinction. The video mentions green and hawksbill turtles, both of which are endangered and targeted by poachers, highlighting the importance of protecting their nesting sites.

💡Fish biomass

Fish biomass refers to the total mass of fish in a given area. The script reports an increase in fish biomass within the protected area, indicating the success of conservation efforts in promoting a healthy marine ecosystem.

💡Eco-tourism

Eco-tourism is a form of tourism that focuses on experiencing natural areas while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and fostering conservation. The video suggests that eco-tourism can be both profitable and beneficial for marine conservation, as it provides an incentive for businesses to protect natural resources.

Highlights

The Coral Triangle is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

Destructive fishing and illegal poaching threaten marine life in Indonesia.

A pioneering business model by a couple revitalizes the local economy and marine life.

The idea of every private enterprise protecting a small area of their backyard is proposed.

Ahmad and his team of ocean rangers patrol Misool marine protected area in eastern Indonesia.

The marine protected area bans all fishing and relies on rangers to stop illegal fishermen.

The rangers work with military police to arrest poachers and protect the marine area.

The rangers are the unsung heroes of the marine protected area, risking their lives for protection.

Andrew and Marit Miners were shocked by the destruction of marine life during their 2005 diving trip.

They decided to protect the area and stop the slaughter of sharks.

They created a marine protected area funded by a luxury eco-resort.

The eco-resort provides economic alternatives for villagers who rely on the ocean.

Ahmad, a former fisherman, now works as a ranger, protecting the reef and conducting anti-poaching missions.

The marine protected area is a critical nesting site for endangered green and hawksbill turtles.

The area has seen an extraordinary transformation with a 600% increase in fish biomass in some areas.

There are now 25 times more sharks inside the reserve than just outside.

The eco-resort has become profitable, attracting high-end tourists interested in conservation.

Coral reef dive tourism is valued at $36 billion annually, indicating the potential of this business model.

The business model shows that protecting natural resources can be more profitable than extraction.

The success of the marine protected area relies on the support of local communities and government.

Andrew and Marit hope their success story will inspire others to start similar ventures.

The community now makes more money from the marine protected area than they did as fishermen.

Transcripts

The Coral Triangle is one

of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

More life is found in these waters

than anywhere else in the world.

But here in Indonesia, destructive fishing practices

and illegal poaching have been threatening entire species.

A pioneering business model devised

by this couple, has not only revitalized the local economy

but is having an astonishing impact on marine life.

Can you imagine how different the world could look

if every private enterprise,

if every tourism operation protected

some small area of their backyard?

Ahmad and his team of ocean rangers

have received reports of turtle poaching on a nearby island.

They're in the middle of Misool marine protected area

located in eastern Indonesia.

It's a 465 square mile reserve where all fishing is banned.

The success of the marine protected area depends

on the rangers stopping illegal fishermen in their tracks.

They work alongside the military police

who have the power to make arrests and seize vessels.

The fate of any poachers they intercept

will rest in the community's hands.

The rangers are really the unsung heroes

of this marine protected area.

They're out there day and night, rain or shine,

doing interceptions with illegal fishermen,

getting themselves into pretty dangerous situations

in order to ensure that this area is protected

and all this can continue.

Andrew and Marit Miners

first came here in 2005 on a diving trip.

They were shocked by what they found.

When we arrived on Batbitim Island in Misool, Raja Ampat,

it's hard to describe the scene of carnage that we met.

There was a remnants of a shark finning camp.

There were baby blacktip reef sharks, finned,

floating around dead in the water.

It's really a scene of destruction and devastation.

From that moment we decided we really had

to make a stand and protect this area

and stop those sharks getting slaughtered.

They petitioned the local village leaders

to lease them the land and surrounding waters

and in a bold plan to save this ecosystem,

created a marine protected area

that would be sustainably funded by a luxury eco-resort.

When we first started building on the island,

every night when we looked out onto the horizon,

it was full of lights from fishing boats.

These people were illegally decimating the reefs

and the fishing stocks of the local community.

Andrew and Marit's challenge was

to provide an economic alternative

for the hundreds of villagers

who rely entirely on the ocean.

What we did was create a whole new set

of economic opportunities for the local people.

We employ over 200 people and all those people

are getting their income from non-extractive work.

Ahmad has been working as a ranger

for two years, patrolling the reef

and carrying out anti-poaching missions like this.

But like many people in this area,

he hasn't always been a conservationist.

He's gone from catching fish to catching fishermen.

This area is one

of the most commonly targeted by turtle poachers.

Ahmad thinks he spotted something.

This Beach is a popular nesting site

for green and hawksbill turtles,

both of which are endangered.

The turtles are at their most vulnerable

when nesting on the beach.

Only one in 1,000 sea turtle hatchlings

will survive to adulthood, so it's vital

that every single egg is protected.

It's not long until Ahmad spots

some telltale signs of poaching.

Scenes like this are all too common.

As animal populations inside the protected area continue

to grow, so does the threat from poaching.

While the threat from illegal fishermen

is always present, over the last 12 years,

the area has seen an extraordinary transformation.

The fish biomass has increased in some areas by 600%,

and there are now 25 times more sharks

inside the reserve than just outside.

Bearing in mind the incredible explosion of fish biomass,

this place has become more and more attractive

for those high-end tourists to visit.

It's not only been incredibly profitable

for the marine environment, the protection we're doing,

it's become incredibly profitable for the business.

The guests are actively choosing businesses

that are supporting conservation and social programs.

Globally, coral reef dive tourism

is valued at $36 billion annually.

If Andrew and Marit's business model can be replicated,

it could provide hope for huge areas of our ocean.

If you look at the economics

of conservation versus extraction,

it's very clear that there are incredible benefits

to be reaped from protecting natural resources.

Sharks and mantas are worth

so much more alive than they are dead.

The business is only possible

because of buy-in from the local communities and government.

At 465 square miles, Misool marine protected area

protects only a fraction of Indonesia's waters.

But Andrew and Marit hope that the story

of their success may encourage others.

As they fine-tune their business model

over the next few years, they want to pitch to hotel chains

and tourism operators to start similar ventures.

Our dream scenario is

that Misool becomes the gold standard

for private enterprise doing conservation.

This is what we need in the future,

we need private entrepreneurs doing conservation work

and protecting natural resources

as the central asset of their business.

Ahmad's community has been fishing

these waters for centuries.

Thanks to the marine protected area,

they're now making more money

than they ever did as fishermen,

and their way of life has been safeguarded

for generations to come.