EFFORTS TO CONSERVE THE ENVIRONMENT

EFFORTS TO CONSERVE THE ENVIRONMENT

By : Fith Ermanto

We should thank God because our nation Indonesia has such varied natural resources that don't exist in any other country in the world. One of these resources can be found in Riau, especially in Jemur Island. In Jemur Island we can see the Green

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turtles, whose existence in the world is considered rare enough for them to be conserved. The existence of Green turtles in Jemur islands has become attraction that makes both domestic and foreign visitors to come and visit the area. If we can take advantage of this kind opportunity it will mean an extra inflow of foreign currency to this country and create new employment. Especially as Jemur island is covered by forest still untouched from the hands of irresponsible person. A situation like this very good for developing a kind of nature tourism besides maritime tourism, which has been developed there so far.

However, in recent time ecosystems in many seas have started to become disturbed. Certain areas of this island nation have been destroyed totally as a result of human greed. For this reason actions have to be taken now in order to stop the destruction from happening in other waters, especially around Jemur island, the nesting site for the Green turtles.

Since the situation for the natural resources on the mainland has become worrisome; forests are already cleared away and land has started to become dry, people start to turn towards the riches of the natural resources at sea. Any form of exploitation becomes "appropriate" as long as the ambitions of these greedy person are fulfilled.

1. Integrated Management.

This is a way to guard the conservation of an ecosystem in an archipelago. Until now we have always been keen to an approach by sector, or with selected measures. Methods like this are less effective. Most people think the management of the water around a certain archipelago is a matter for the employees of Fishery Department. The same with the forest that are the responsibility of the employees of the Forestry Department. Whereas, all this area the duties and responsibility of us all together. If the job is done by sectors or selectively there will be conflicts of interests. For example the management of mangrove forests, Fishery people say that is there area of responsibility and from an other direction, forestry people can be heard saying the same, i.e. it is, their responsibility. In the same way also the Navy will say that it is their responsibility. Characteristics and dynamics of the nature in a certain archipelago are very closely related. This condition leads to the fact that the best anywhere to search for solutions to all these problems. However, the forbidden trawlers still operates as if nothing has happened. For every day we are getting more concerned with the condition of the ecosystem. For this reason it is important to establish firm sanctions against any person whose venture breaks the law, whoever he is or whatever rank or position he has. Before the law we are all equals. Maybe, with the winds of reformation that now are blowing over our country, we will get power to arrest anyone that destroy natural resources, in any form of way, of this nation of islands. There has always been signs telling that functionaries of government or the armed forces that misuse their powers (so called Oknum) have been behind it all. Every offence the have done even the legal system has not been strong enough to oppose. Maybe, with the changes coming through the reformation we will get enough power save the nature from the destructive actions done by irresponsible people against our beloved country.

The present threats against the population of Green turtles of Jemur Island are among others the egg poaching itself. This is for commercial reason, as a part of the people like to eat the eggs. A human activity that even more threaten the Green turtles themselves. This is because the meat has a high enough economic value if it is marketed by certain people. This temps a apart of the local people to catch the turtles. If nothing is done to stop this, Green turtles population will diminish for day to day. It is not impossible, that in the future, our grandchildren will only be able to hear the name Green turtles of Jemur Island without being able to see the turtles themselves.

In addition to examples of threats mentioned above, there are many more threats to the conservation of the ecosystem of an archipelago. For example over-fishing and fishing wit poison, in this case potassium cyanide. Of course, basically all this threatens the natural resources.

There are a number of steps to be taken in order to avoid the same widespread destruction that has taken place in other areas. For example using called "Pukat Harimau", a trawl with very fine masks. The government forbids methods like that as it destroy the ecosystem of an area. Yet, fishing in this way is still carried out until today. What is more saddening is that these kinds of fishing methods are not used by local fishermen from other areas with more modern equipment. Local fishermen can only witness how the fish in their own area is taken away by other fishermen.

Another threat to the conservation of the natural resources is fishing with bombs. A method like this very dangerous for the environment in an archipelago. Not only destroying the fish population it also destroys the coral reefs in the area in question. Besides, it will take very long time and care to restore reefs to original form.

The coral reefs have a very important function in an archipelago. Besides functioning as breeding place for fish, the reefs also function as protection against waves. According to an Indonesia Study: the destruction of the reefs leads to erosion that threatens settlements in the area.***