SAVING THE ECOSYSTEM
Fikri Adin, Harian Pagi Satelitpost

Coral reefs are one of the most important, as well as the richest, ecosystems in the world. And healthy coral reefs are home to thousands of underwater creatures and plants.

Based on Indonesian Coral Reefs Foundation (Terangi), the present condition of coral reefs along Kepulauan Seribu is quite disconcerting, with a percentage of live coral cover somewhere between 27 to 30 percent. And unless the situation is immediately managed, more underwater ecosystem will find itself beginning the swift process of deterioration.

Some of the leading threats for coral reefs include coral mining for construction materials, as well as beach reclamations. Each day, dozens of cubic meter worth of live corals are pried away from the reefs to supply for C minerals necessity. The public feels they are left with no choice because the C minerals are expensive and difficult to find on land. Coral mining is also widely practiced by fishermen who need to make extra cash on top of their meager livelihood.

This concern moved Ismail (42)—a national conservationist—to campaign for an eco-friendly lifestyle for fishermen. Together with his community, Kepulauan Seribu Monitoring Network, Ismail takes the immediate steps to conserve coral reefs ecosystem around the region.

One of the steps include the transplantation of coral reefs. He uses the method of grafting and removing life corals from healthy reefs and sub-planting them onto damaged reefs. The transplantation helps regenerate damaged coral reefs at a much faster rate.

Ismail wishes to change the habit of coral mining by promoting the program he has established. Former coral miners are empowered with the skills to become ornamental or decorative coral farmers. Ideally, by cultivating corals for commercial purposes, the farmers are also able to help conserve and restore this endangered species, while providing them with a decent income.

In the long run, Ismail hopes to raise awareness against coral mining and coral reef destruction while also raising the people’s quality of life by suggesting eco-friendly livelihood. The people are urged to use natural resources wisely with hopes of conserving the ocean and all its contents.

Empowerment: sharing knowledge or skills with someone else to help empower them.