Saving the Coral Reefs
Illegal sea sand quarrying and coral hunting are endangering the existence of reefs in Indonesia’s coastal areas, the habitat of many marine creatures. As a consequence, they are also threatening the livelihood of fishermen and the tourism industry, which attracts divers and visitors to these beautiful natural wonders. This lamentable prospect has motivated residents of the Gili Islands in Lombok to rehabilitate and protect the beautiful coral reefs surrounding their areas. They initiated a series of activities to instill a sense of awareness among the local people on the need to protect their valuable coral reefs. Tempo English Edition reports from Lombok and Belitung.
May 11, 2011
THE seabed of Tanjung Kelayang, Belitung, normally dark and quiet, was suddenly bustling at the end of April. Dozens of volunteers in dark-colored wetsuits were carrying coral grafts—as embryos of coral reefs—to be grown on underwater transplantation tables. On land, the atmosphere was no less joyful. Community elders conducted a sendoff ceremony for the divers. Primary school children joined a drawing contest with environmental themes in the
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