LOMBOK INDONESIA

LOMBOK TOURISM COM IS YOUR ONLINE TRAVEL GUIDE THROUGHOUT LOMBOK ISLAND, BALI, KOMODO, MT. BROMO, YOGYAKARTA INDONESIA

Gili Eco Trust

The Gili island are situated in one of most diverse marine environments in the world. Part of the famed coral triangle which encompasses a huge area that streches to Malaysia and spreads through much of Nusa Tenggara Barat, were in lie the island that include Lombok. Protecting this area is paramaount to environmentalists and has been protected marine park since 1992. The challenges that face this protection policy are largely financial, further hindered by the sheer size of the area needing supervision. The Gili Eco-Trust was established by bussiness operator inhabitants of the Gili Island in 2001 and many of the projects that have been intiated have proved succesful. There is nevertheless much work still tobe done. " Seven diving companies were instrumenntal in setting up this trust. Many of these bussiness depend on the marine diversity and health of the underwater gardens in this area, " explains Alice, a diving instructor and volunteer for the Trust. The trust is funded by stake holders, local bussineses, and driver who pay contribution for each dive that goes to fund activities of the trust and other environmental groups whens possible. Initially the main concern of the trust was banning cyanide and dynamite fishing, a common practice for local fishermen," explains Alice. Creating Awarenessand establishing alternative practices including fish farming and creating fish agreate sites. The Trust is also looking at models for creating alternative, sustainable livelihoods one of which is an ornamental fish bussiness, " There are many models being tested in Bali and other parts of Indonesia and We are interested in those for a viable alternative for local fishermen. To date one of the most succesfull programs has been the bio-rock project, a system of metal grids that are fed a low electrical charge, causing the coral to regenerate. Fish are then attracted to the coral and the eco-system is re-established. The Trust also seeks to raise funds to help local enterprises and fund other environment programs, Awareness and education are also vital to the sustainability of all the project undertaken and the local population and bussinessare all taking steps to ensure that this is a protected environmentas more building and greater numbers of visitor impact on it. " we are looking at programs for severage disposal as run off adversely affects coral and fish in this area. Then there is a problem of waste and already. Waste sorting and recycling programs have been introduce and tourism operators are encourage to take responsibility for all the rubbish they bring to the Island. A pilot project with the local primary school has introduce a toilet block that generates compost and bio gas as well as the creation of a small garden and a tree planting project. " We aim to create some fun projects that will appeal to the local workers and and their children and ones that are inclusive, so everyone is aware of how they personally can make a difference," continues Alice. The Eco-Trust is volunteer based organization and the members are working hard to improve the environment they live and work in while recognizing the significance of this area in terms of the globe. Its a very special that deserves careful attention, the success of the program undertaken thus far is encouragement enough for many of the hard working members of this special trust. A fundraising events is planned for April 14 when a world record holding diver will attempt a new world record for submersion.

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