By: Nining Rahayu (Marine Buddies Jakarta Coordinator)

What is conservation? Should everyone have a conservation attitude?

I think conservation is the protection and efficient management of the environment and natural resources. Departing from the important role of conservation in the marine sector and the rapid development of marine tourism in Indonesia which unwittingly has the opportunity to cause negative impacts is the background for the Marine Buddies Jakarta Community to hold a Talkshow with the title Conservation Through Education Travel. The talkshow, which was held on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at the IRLC Building, UI Depok Campus, drew enthusiasm from participants with diverse backgrounds, ranging from diving communities, marine conservation activists and students.

In the first session discussion, Fenny Wiendyah as the forest ecosystem controller of the Thousand Islands National Park (TNKPS), explained that currently TNKPS has presented several educational tourism activities such as coral, mangrove and seagrass planting at several points. Feny emphasized to every visitor to stand on the principle of ecotourism so that TNKPS can remain sustainable. In addition to explaining the marine potential in TNKPS, he also explained about dangerous things that could threaten the potential of marine biota such as mass tourism which is open to visitors so that it allows exploitation and negative activities that are not revealed.

Ecotourism that includes education that if not managed properly can have a negative impact on nature and the social fabric of the population. Annisa Ruzuar of Jelajah Biru, a responsible travel service provider, encourages participants to be part of Travel with respect where participants must be aware of behaviors that should not be done while in marine conservation areas such as feeding fish and photos while holding corals. Annisa explained that there are three principles of responsible marine tourism, namely an attitude of responsibility to the environment, to social culture, and to sustainable business management.

"If you are on vacation in a conservation area, try to interact with the local community by staying at one of the residents' houses. Don't forget to buy souvenirs made by local residents because then we have implemented the practice of ecotourism by providing income for them for the welfare of the local community of the conservation area, "added Indarwati Aminuddin as Responsible Marine Tourism Coordinator WWWF Indonesia who was also present as a guest speaker at the second session of the discussion.

Dewi Satriani as Campaign and Mobilization Manager WWF-Indonesia invited participants to recognize, visit and monitor more than 165 marine conservation areas in Indonesia by downloading the Marine Buddies application. Dewi also explained how the application works for android-based smartphone users. "The mechanism of using the Marine Buddies application in following up reports related to irresponsible behavior in marine protected areas will be verified first by WWF-Indonesia regarding the truth before being submitted to the government," Dewi explained. By reporting irresponsible activities using marine buddies, we can contribute to conservation efforts at tourist sites. We can also start promoting the cultural and social values of local communities and involve local communities in tourism management.

Do you agree with the opinions of the five speakers at the CORAL Talkshow with the Marine Buddies Jakarta Community? If so, don't forget to become a #TemanTamanLaut by participating in recognizing, monitoring and visiting marine conservation areas in Indonesia and download the app on the Play Store!