The Bali Provincial Government is currently studying the designation\nof a new marine conservation area in the southern waters of Bali. The\narea, spanning approximately 55,000 hectares, encompasses the waters of\nNusa Dua, Pandawa Beach, and Sanur.<\/p>\n
\u201cSouth Bali is at the foot of Bali Island. This includes Nusa Dua,\nPandawa Beach, and Sanur, covering 55,000 hectares and currently under\nstudy for finalisation,\u201d said I Nengah Sugiarta, Head of the Marine\nDivision of the Bali Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office, during the\nWorld Ocean Day and Coral Triangle Day 2026 event in Nusa Dua, Bali.<\/p>\n
Sugiarta explained that the southern Bali waters were selected for\nconservation expansion because they serve as a migration route for\nmarine mammals, such as whales. Additionally, the area possesses healthy\ncoral reef ecosystems that require protection.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirst and foremost, it is a passage for marine megafauna,\nspecifically whales. Furthermore, the coral reefs are excellent. That is\nwhat we need to protect\u2014the whales passing through during migration,\u201d he\nadded.<\/p>\n
Sugi0e0rta noted that the area currently holds \u2018temporary zone\u2019\nstatus, with the target to be officially designated as a conservation\narea by 2027. The government is currently drafting study documents and\nzoning plans before submitting them to the central government.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere will be core zones and limited utilisation zones. Whether the\ncentral government agrees with that spatial allocation will be subject\nto discussion. Once approved, it will be officially established,\u201d he\ncontinued.<\/p>\n
Despite the area being a developing tourism destination, Sugiarta\nemphasised that the establishment of the conservation area will not halt\ntourism activities. Management will be conducted through the division of\nprotection and utilisation zones.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is possible, because in conservation areas like Nusa Penida,\nthere are limited utilisation zones alongside core zones. In the core\nzone, no other activities such as fishing are permitted, but other\nactivities can continue,\u201d said Sugiarta.<\/p>\n
Putu Sumardiana, Head of the Bali Provincial Marine and Fisheries\nOffice, stated that Bali already has five conservation areas established\nby the central government, including Nusa Penida, Buleleng, Karangasem,\nJembrana, and the Benoa Bay Maritime Conservation Area (KKM). According\nto Sumardiana, each area possesses different characteristics and\nflagship species.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor example, Jembrana is suitable for sea turtle conservation. In\nNusa Penida, you find species like the mola-mola, while Buleleng has\ndolphins and so on,\u201d Sumardiana remarked.<\/p>\n
However, he emphasised that the government\u2019s primary focus is not\nmerely increasing the number of conservation areas. The government aims\nto ensure that existing waters remain protected from damage,\nparticularly to coral reefs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe important thing is not just adding more conservation areas, but\nensuring that existing ones remain intact. Usually, the greatest threat\ncomes from coral reef degradation,\u201d Sumardiana concluded.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/bali-provincial-government-studies-55-000-hectares-of-south-bali-waters-for-conservation-area-1780816913", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }