The Nusa Penida Protected Area is a unique, tropical paradise situated just off the South-East coast of Bali. Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan make up this incredibly beautiful part of the world. White sand beaches and gigantic cliff faces scatter the coastline with famous, picturesque sceneries wherever you look. Below the surface, the Nusa Penida Protected Area is home to over 576 fish species and 296 coral species. Moreover, the discovery of 5 new species happened right here. Marine life is abundant, with an array of amazing creatures such as the Manta Rays, Sunfish, and even Sharks. Not only do these waters house large species but smaller ones, too, including sea turtles, Nudibranchs, Eels, and more. In fact, the reef system is known to be one of the healthiest in the world, beaming with bright colors.
MAKING A CHANGE IN THE WORLD
Notably, in 2010, Indonesia developed the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area because of its significance pertaining to overall marine biodiversity. As a result, the Rapid Ecological Assessment has given it an official stamp of approval. Furthermore, this area covers 20,057 hectares and aids in the sustainability of more than 48000 people in 56 traditional villages.
Come and see this spectacle for yourself. It truly is a wonder to witness, and certainly something that you do not want to miss.
NUSA PENIDA PROTECTED AREA CONSERVATION
Legend Diving has partnered with the Coral Triangle Center to support their work in developing the Nusa Penida Marine Park. Notably, this area was classified as a critical zone pertaining to marine biodiversity and thus a zoning system was implemented. Today, annual coral health checks, resource monitoring, and regular patrols take place to maintain the Nusa Penida MPA Management Unit.
Coral Reef Health Monitoring
Throughout the year, close monitoring of The Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area takes place in order to know it better. In saying that, the CTC local governments and the private sector produce a report, annually. Once the report has been submitted, we can then better understand how to properly protect and manage the area. Adaptability, transparency, and thorough communications between the various departments are vital to managing particular threats. As a result, they hold regular community meetings so that these discussions can happen.
Community Conservation Projects
The economy truly benefits from this maintenance and protection of the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area. Accordingly, we require strict conservation efforts in order to keep the area in good shape. Therefore, the CTC will regularly train local people on how to ensure the sustainability of the area. In saying that, tourists visiting the 3 Islands will usually get involved and help with protecting the area, too. For example, habitats such as the mangrove have grown by 30 hectares in protection size since community interest came about.
Sustainable Tourism Practices
Through the implementation of good tourism practices, people of future generations will reap the rewards from the MPA. For this to work, local tourism operators must work together with the CTC in raising awareness of the zoning systems. Additionally, the guidelines for how to properly interact with Sunfish and Manta Rays will ensure the safety of these creatures. Another way in which we can increase our environmental awareness is by following the protocols of the Green Fins organization.
Field Learning Site
Because conservation plays a big role within the MPA, it certainly is a great place to increase your knowledge. As a result, the MPA has become a great training ground for various groups of people. Namely; students, local communities, NGOs, government officials, and more. Notably, the training will have a positive impact on the area and will create discipline in maintaining the area. Moreover, MPAs from around the world will benefit from this increased knowledge.
NUSA PENIDA PROTECTED AREA – CODE OF CONDUCT
Sadly, in the summer of 2016, a group of divers came across a seriously wounded Whale Shark within the area. Accordingly, they reported the incident to local authorities, who informed the Coral Triangle Center. Unfortunately, the injury sustained by a boat propeller within the MPA was fatal and they pronounced the Whale shark, dead. Thereafter, the CTC and Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries met to discuss preventative measures needed to stop these incidents. Once developed, it became a new code of conduct on how to interact with marine life. Manta Rays, Mola, Whale sharks, and all of our unique sea creatures deserve to be respected a treated properly. Our hope is that everyone follows these protocols and maintains awareness regarding how to dive and snorkel, safely.
NUSA PENIDA PROTECTED AREA ZONING
There are 6 specific zones within the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area:
- Core zone: The core zone maintains the highest level of protection within the area. It is therefore totally closed off to fishing and tourism. However, if you are conducting scientific research, then you may enter this zone.
- Traditional fishery zone: The traditional fishery zone is only open to local fishermen who rely on fishing for their livelihood. As a result, it will reduce the strain of overfishing in the area and therefore sustain a healthy relationship with the environment.
- Harbor zones: Dedicated zones for vessels bringing supplies from Bali.
- Sacred zones: Sacred Zones must receive the respect they deserve. Culture is of utmost importance to the local people and therefore we must accept their customs.
- Seaweed farming zones: The Seaweed farming zones are for those who do this as an occupation. A vast number of locals use seaweed farming as an income source. If you would like to learn more about seaweed farming, then please ask for a tour.
- Marine tourism zone: The Marine tourism zones are the areas that we will visit. These areas are specifically for diving and snorkeling. Therefore, they have banned fishing within these zones.
