the Coral Triangle has been compared to an Amazon rainforest diving for its density and diversity of species. Stretching from the Philippines to Malaysia, Indonesia, includes a half the size of the United States area. 75 percent of coral species are home to nearly 40 percent of reef fish species in the world. A list of its 2,000 varieties include sharks, rays, whales and turtles and crocodiles, stonefish and cuttlefish, nudibranchs, shrimps and crabs, as well as pygmy seahorses. In the Coral Triangle in South Sulawesi, Wakatobi Resort include not only its clients with five star facilities, but its 20 kilometers of virgin reef beyond the beach of silver sand. This is nirvana diving and snorkeling.
The view of the island of Wakatobi when flying in | Photo by Didi Lotze
discreet presence of complex blends into the landscape. Rather than dominate with a high-rise hotel, which would be out of character for the area, Wakatobi customers relish traditional style, accommodation by the sea. Outdoor areas create an atmosphere of elegance feet naked ", where guests can relax, enjoy the local flavors and interact with local people in an honest and intimate way. There are cooking classes, tours of the village and light conferences for entertainment and education. And, of course, there is the extraordinary reefs. Wakatobi founder Lorenz Mader believed guests appreciate such a first class experience and respect the efforts to preserve this world-class environment.
Upon establishment of the station in 1994, Mäder has held meetings with local fishermen and villagers to create a pilot program providing monetary compensation in exchange for a cessation of activities of agreement fishing in designated areas of coral reefs. overfishing practices and brutal fishing spoil habitats, so an agreement benefited all concerned. Lease payments on the reefs would be generated by the station revenues.
Today, the collaboration Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) maintains a network of mooring buoys, standard ports and reef cleaning required. healthy reefs maintain robust with large fish populations, which are less susceptible to abuse, such as pollution. In collaboration with the village elders and leaders, the station in the Wakatobi Marine National Park, is one of the largest aquatic-funded private protected areas in the world. In 2012, the park was designated as reserve World Biosphere by UNESCO, recognized as one of the most bio-diverse ecosystems on Earth sailors.
Wakatobi provides direct payments to 17 villages, as well as electricity and water, school funding and educational materials while generating more than 100 jobs and other economic benefits. In this way, the villagers have become proactive partners in without taking the fishing areas, while providing a reliable Wakatobi local workforce. There is no formal application within the community because members recognize the tax value preserving marine life, stimulating self-preservation dog guard to guard against encroaching aliens.
"It took years of support and communication to establish the strong confidence and motivate the majority of the stable local population," said Mader. "Today, the rules in sanctuaries is 95 to 99 percent, depending on the proximity of the reef section of the station and patrol posts." In addition, Wakatobi requires a preliminary assessment of skills all divers, regardless of experience and expertise, to evaluate the control of the appropriate buoyancy and encourage zero impact diving practices. This philosophy focuses on preserving vital reef between guests and residents . "We explain carefully to our customers that we do, in terms of conservation, without being too serious for a holiday setting."
smiles of green turtles for the camera right next to the beach in Wakatobi | Photo by Steve Miller
Since 2013, Wakatobi hosted a turtle hatchery. The primary caretaker, Pak Sayafrin, started as assistant diving there almost nine years and now also works as a procurement manager. The first program identifies and monitors the nest during the hatching phase. Then the chicks are transferred to the nursery for three months or more. This greatly increases the chances of survival for release into the wild. The program's goal is to raise awareness of the region turtles and introduce new generations of animals for migration to larger areas of the Indo-Pacific. With the decline of populations elsewhere, Wakatobi hatchlings find a thriving environment.
The goals of the station are low impact. sustainable practices include reduction, separation and recycling of waste and biological treatment of wastewater. Please remember that every drop of water for use on the island is precious.
The business model leverages the value and customers derive aesthetic pleasure from their time on the reefs in tangible material value to the local community. Accordingly, all parties become partners in protection.
"We do not know an effective efficient and economic model for reef conservation in this environment," said Maeder. Keeping intact marine environment as the business foundation and for fun visitors is an integral part of sustainable diving operation.
the positive effects of the CRCP have attracted international attention. in 2005, diving Magazine recognized the program as the Wakatobi "best environmental initiative by Resort '. Since then, many quotes included a price First Choice Responsible Tourism Leading Green Resort World Resort Leading Indonesia and Leading Diving Resort Asia. in particular, Ocean Realm Society named the number Wakatobi One Eco-Resort. "overall, the protected reefs are in better shape than before the sanctuaries have been established," reported Mäder. "most people understand the benefits of the management of reef resources, which includes more . income for fishing "
Wakatobi scuba diving boat near reefs | Photo by Didi Lotze
A virgin sunny reef is the joy of every diver. There is no inappropriate time or season for diving in Wakatobi. It is one of the driest regions of the country with the sun most of the time and humidity as low as 65 to 75 percent. Generally, the air temperature is between 26-30 ° C or 79-86 degrees Fahrenheit. The water temperature is ideal for the growth of corals without bleaching, and average visibility underwater 35 meters or 100 feet. Humans protect what they value, and Wakatobi proactively protects reefs around its coasts. The good news is that both numbers and diversity of fish populations are to the vitality of historic levels. Best, customers can be assured they will remain that way.
For more information, visit www.wakatobi.com