- Antara/ Basrul Haq
VIVAnews – Bunaken is well-known for its beautiful underwater scenery. The North Sulawesi’s coral reefs has gained fame worldwide for its beauty. However, all that has made it popular is now under serious threat.
According to the Director of Bunaken National Park, Jeffry Pasinaung, the waste disposal has pushed around Bunaken.
“Plastic waste now covers 20-30 percents [of the ecosystem]. More waste, such as logs, from Kalimantan dan Central Sulawesi, are now accumulating as well,” Jeffry told VIVAnews on Sunday night, Jan 8.
“If the situation persists, the beauty of the coral reefs will soon fade away.”
“The government must be solid. Do not boast about Bunaken only during certain events, such as the ATF. We must think smart,” Jeffry said.
Jeffry also expected that the people also are aware of the threat that they will not dispose more garbage in Bunaken Sea.
“The people and the government must be more concerned about the negative impact caused to the corals in Bunaken Sea Park so that it will remain North Sulawesi’s icon,” he said.
Earlier, during the opening of ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) international event, North Sulawesi’s Governor, Sinyo Sarundajang, said that Manado, especially Bunaken, may become one of ASEAN’s travel destination. “With its underwater richness, it can be one option of travel destination for ASEAN’s community,” Sarundajang said.
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Coverage by: Roger Wenas | North Sulawesi
