Up to 500 Acropora corals were planted by state-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura (AP) I off Boboca Beach in Manado, North Sulawesi, on Tuesday.

The Coral Reefs Save the Future-themed event is part of the operator’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program in collaboration with the Peduli Laut Negeri (PELANG) divers organization.

Read also: Angkasa Pura I shares airports development updates

 

Penyerahan bantuan untuk transplantasi karang di teluk Manado oleh PT. Angkasa Pura kepada Pelang (Peduli Laut Negeri)... #pelangdivers #pedulilautnegeri

A post shared by Efra D. Wantah (@efra23pelangdivers) on Aug 7, 2018 at 1:17am PDT

AP I marketing and services director Devy Suradji said the company hoped the event would further develop North Sumatra's tourism potential.

“Hopefully this event will also make Boboca underwater park more beautiful and attract more visitors,” added Devy. “We also hope that locals and visitors maintain [the corals].”

Meanwhile, Sam Ratulangi International Airport general manager Minggus E.T. Gandeguai said coral reefs were like a house for sea biota.

“If we want to highlight underwater tourism with its diverse sea biota, we have to preserve the coral reefs,” Minggus added. “Hopefully this event will be beneficial and the result can be enjoyed by travelers in the future.” (wir/kes)