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Schedule a meeting now! Get advice from our admission expert Katharina. Request a spot in our meeting hub and we will call you back!
Refer a friend - Save 100€! Refer a friend, enroll together for this summer school, and save both 100 Euro! Refer a friend!
Schedule a meeting now! Get advice from our admission expert Katharina. Request a spot in our meeting hub and we will call you back!
Refer a friend - Save 100€! Refer a friend, enroll together for this summer school, and save both 100 Euro! Refer a friend!
Student's essay by Jorja Jones, Kent University, UK
Restoring the Reefs: How Sport and Environmental Awareness Go Hand in Hand
As part of the Sport and Environment Summer Course, students explored the relationship between recreational activities and ecological responsibility, reflecting on their experiences and proposing solutions for sustainability. One essay that stood out was Jorja Jones’ exploration of marine conservation through scuba diving and coral restoration efforts in Pemuteran. Her reflections highlight the role of science, community engagement, and education in protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring the future of sustainable tourism. This blog delves into Jorja’s experience and the crucial lessons learned from her time underwater.
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Over the past month in Bali, I had the chance to engage deeply with the local culture and discover how its natural environment supports recreational activities. From experiencing traditional ceremonies to exploring the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, I gained a better understanding of the connection between the environment and activities like scuba diving, particularly in terms of sustainability.
Innovation to Restoration
On July 5, 2024, our group traveled to North-West Bali to visit Yayasan Karang Lestari in Pemuteran. This organization leads efforts in coral reef restoration using innovative methods. We attended a lecture and interview with Komang Astika, a Coral and Dive Expert from the Biorock Tech team. Komang’s insights highlighted the challenges of restoring coral reefs and introduced the Bio-rock technology, a system that accelerates coral growth, helping them adapt to climate change and human impact. He also explained how community involvement, through initiatives like sacred ceremonies and educational programs, plays a key role in these efforts. Without this collective dedication, the project would not have achieved such success.
Scuba diving in Pemuteran reinforced how environmental conditions directly affect human activity and marine ecosystems. Diving requires the body to adapt to pressure changes, water temperature, and density. For me, equalizing my ears during deeper dives was challenging due to past issues, but a supportive instructor helped me navigate the experience. This allowed me to explore the artificial reef and witness the thriving marine life, underscoring the importance of conservation.
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Protecting the Ocean’s Lungs
Coral reefs rely on specific conditions, such as water temperatures between 23°C and 29°C and clear waters for sunlight to penetrate. These factors support oxygen production, with coral contributing more than 50% of the planet’s oxygen, making it the ‘lungs of the Ocean’. Unfortunately, reefs face significant threats from climate change, ocean acidification, and harmful fishing methods like dynamite fishing. In the late 1990s, economic hardships in Bali increased the use of destructive fishing practices, causing widespread reef damage. While such practices are now banned, continued efforts are crucial to restoring and protecting marine biodiversity.
Tourism adds further pressure, as increased visitors often lead to pollution and damage to marine ecosystems. Many tourists unknowingly harm reefs by taking pieces of coral or handling marine life. To counter this, sustainable tourism practices and educational efforts are needed to ensure reefs remain protected while still supporting the local economy.
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Steps Toward Sustainability
Reduce Plastic Waste
Plastic pollution is a major threat to marine ecosystems. Eliminating single-use plastics, as some countries like Rwanda have done, can significantly reduce waste in waterways. Governments, businesses, and individuals can all play a role by promoting reusable alternatives and enforcing stricter regulations.
Promote Beach Cleanups
Regular cleanups can quickly reduce the amount of waste on shorelines. These initiatives bring together locals, tourists, and businesses to protect coastal environments and foster a shared sense of responsibility.
Improve Waste Management
Bali’s waste management system requires substantial improvements. Supporting local initiatives like Urban Compost Bali, which turns organic waste into compost, can create eco-friendly solutions. Communities can begin by practicing proper recycling and later expanding these efforts by donating materials for art or reuse, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
Encourage Local Participation
Community involvement is essential for lasting change. Programs like rewarding fishermen for collecting ocean debris can inspire sustainable practices. Educating locals ensures they become advocates for conservation, guiding tourists to act responsibly and protect Bali’s natural resources.
Enhance Education and Awareness
Many tourists lack understanding of how to interact with marine ecosystems. Diving instructors and tour operators can educate visitors on proper behavior, such as avoiding physical contact with reefs and using reef-safe sunscreen. Providing resources and guidance at tourist facilities can further encourage environmentally friendly practices.
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Bali’s reefs are a global treasure, not only for their beauty and biodiversity but also for their crucial role in supporting life on Earth. Protecting these ecosystems through education, innovation, and community collaboration is vital for their long-term survival. By taking action, Bali can ensure these natural wonders are preserved for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
By Billy Bagus
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