Rebreeding coral reefs via ‘My Coral Programme’
KUNAK: Tawau Polytechnic Sabah (PTS) in collaboration with Amazing Kunak Adventures Sdn Bhd and Eco Marine Resources Sdn Bhd launched a “My Coral Programme” geared towards rebreeding coral reefs that were affected by human activities or natural occurrences. Kunak District Tourism and Culture Association Chairperson Mohd Hata Arabi said the programme was a corporate social responsibility (CSR) effort undertaken by the company to ensure that the natural beauty of the marine area is preserved.“The programme is also part of the association’s move to develop regulated and systematic tourism activities without affecting the environment.
“It is also the basic framework for the community’s involvement in the Community Based Tourism (CoBT) concept stressed by the Government” he told Daily Express.“The programme will also impact the community through CSR activities such as cleaning up beach areas that have been done and will continue to be undertaken by staff and the community at Darvel Lagoon Hampilan,” he added.He said coral reef conservation is one of the goals of the association as the Kunak waterfront still has a beautiful, attractive reef that is the focal point for scuba diving.“The beauty of the sea floor should also be a priority for us to maintain and preserve,” he said.
According to Mohd Hata, the effects of pollution, global warming, natural disasters, as well as fish bombing cases, fish poisoning (cyanide chemicals), uncontrolled sea activity and illegal export of corals have affected marine life including the reef ecosystem. He said the programme was also very useful in providing related exposure to Coral Rehabilitation to students of the Semester 5 Diploma in PTS Tourism Management through a course conducted in collaboration with the coral reef breeding industry near Underwater GreatWall Teluk Darvel.“The Underwater GreatWall area is one of the newest tourism products in Kunak waters that attract local and foreign tourists,” he said.Mohd Hata extended his appreciation for the involvement of strategic partners among PTS lecturers and students and Eco Marine Resources in making the programme launch a success The programme was launched in the coastal waters of Laut Hampilan, here.“The My Coral Programme has been running for two months since September 2 and reached its peak on October 17 with a visit to the coral reef site with students and stakeholders,” said Mohd Hata.
Source: Daily Express
