(Courtesy of wwf.or.id)

In order to encourage tourists and marine tourism operators to create more environmentally friendly trip packages, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Indonesia launched a marine tourism guide in Jakarta on Thursday.

'€œThe marine ecosystem serves as a vital object in the marine tourism business,'€ said WWF Indonesia'€™s fisheries division head, Imam Musthofa, during the launch.

Based on analysis from Indonesia'€™s Tourism Ministry, coastal tourism contributes 60 percent to Indonesian marine tourism.

According to the ministry, during their stay, tourists often observed as well as interacted closely with sea creatures such as sea birds, turtles and dolphins.

Unfortunately, in many cases, these observation and interaction activities are done without considering the animal's sensitivity. Meanwhile, outside interference can cause stress, behavioral changes, injuries or even death to the animals.

WWF Indonesia marine species officer Casandra Tania reminded those in attendance that a lot of the species found in the sea were actually fragile.

'€œPlease remember that when we swim or dive in the ocean, we are in fact visiting the animals in their own home. Therefore, we shouldn'€™t want to intrude on their natural habitat,'€ Casandra explained.

Casandra said that there were a few things that tourists could do to maintain marine environments in good condition.

'€œWe encourage marine tourists not to touch the animals and to keep their distance from some species of animal such as dolphins and mantas that are big and able to swim fast,'€ Casandra added.

'€œInjured or dead marine animal cases are often caused by propellers. Excessive marine wildlife observation can also cause stress to the animals or cause the baby animals to separate from their mothers,'€ Casandra explained.

She further said that in order to maintain a sustainable marine tourism, marine tour operators and marine tourist enthusiasts could play a role in educating tourists and apply rules to preserve the animal's natural habitat. (nov/bbn)(+)

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