As a result of various internal and external threats faced by the ecosystems in Anambas Archipelago some years ago, the area's unique environment and spectacular diversity were in danger of diminishing.

Fortunately, the Anambas authorities were adequately informed, soon after which, a proposal were jointly submitted by the Mayor of Anambas and the Biosphere Foundation in order to reverse the process.

The proposal, since accepted, confers the status of Marine Park to a number of specific Anambas islands.

Save the Turtle

For instance, as recently-laid eggs on Durai and Pahat were harvested too frequently, a solution was needed to protect the turtles from local extinction.

It was believed that the deteriorating situation of the Hawksbill Turtle and the Green Turtle would improve from a total ban on fishing and harvesting the sea within two miles of Pulau Durai and neighboring island, Pulau Pahat. As such, this was one of the recommendations.

In-depth discussions ultimately culminated in the Marine Park proposals being adopted in July 2011. Both Pulau Durai and Pulau Pahat enjoy Marine Park status since. The official term for this status is "Marine Protected Area", or MPA.

Thanks to the MPA protection afforded to these islands, both turtle species are once again thriving.

Better still, since that milestone moment, other marine species, both plants and animals, amongst which the many coral species in Anambas, have started a recovery process that's continuing to this day.

The significant decision to protect these two islands with MPA status was made with the aim to ultimately allocate MPA status to most of the Anambas Islands.

Once fully implemented, in the long run, MPA will undoubtedly be as much of a benefit to nature in Anambas in general as it is for Pulau Durai and Pulau Pahat now.

Enquiry

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