Ecotourism promising for Buton<\/p>\n
BAU BAU, Southeast Sulawesi (JP): Ecotourism, its advocates
\nbelieve, is one form of sustainable development and could hold
\nthe promise for a bright future on scenic Buton.<\/p>\n
The initiative has come from Asep S. Adhikerana and Wayan
\nDirgayusa, both researchers at the Indonesian Institute of
\nSciences (LIPI).<\/p>\n
Both are involved in Operation Wallacea, which is currently
\nbeing carried out on the islands. The viability of their proposal
\nis being evaluated by bureaucrats in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Buton's main attraction would be its birds, which are found in
\nabundance in patches of tropical forests in mountain ridges.<\/p>\n
A 1995 survey recorded 187 bird species. Quantity wise, it may
\nbe no big deal but for bird observers, the 150-kilometer-long
\nisland is unrivaled. Forty-four of the species are endemic to
\nSulawesi and six to Indonesia. All 44 are protected by law.<\/p>\n
But bird wise, Buton is neglected by scientists. Asep said
\nthat the Sulawesian birds on the island are especially sensitive
\nand will suffer if their habitat is altered carelessly.<\/p>\n
This concern has prompted scientists from both Indonesia and
\nabroad to make Buton a natural laboratory. Already identified as
\nhot spots, or areas with an exceptional abundance of birds, are
\nLebo, Maligano, Lawele, Kinapani, Lakonti and Wakalambe.<\/p>\n
\"Birds are economically important. As an ecotourism attraction
\nthey could be integrated with environmentally-sound economic
\ndevelopment,\" Asep says.<\/p>\n
Asep and Wayan have proposed that ecotourism activities be
\ncentered around Lake Togomotonu in the eastern Lawele
\nsubdistrict, about 90 kilometers east of Bau Bau.<\/p>\n
But the badly silted lake, situated in an area initially
\nearmarked for a transmigration site, needs major renovation and
\ntourist facilities, such as inns and roads, which have yet to be
\nbuilt.<\/p>\n
Reliable transportation is also a problem. Losmen (inns) are
\navailable only in Bau Bau where economic and administrative
\nactivities are centered. But transport to the island is hardly a
\nproblem. Buton, which has no airport, can be reached in five and
\nhalf hours from Kendari, the capital of Southeast Sulawesi, by
\nregular ferries that serve the route twice a day.<\/p>\n
Although it has tremendous potential, Buton lacks promotion.
\nOperation Wallacea's organizers hope holidaymakers from the U.S.,
\nEurope, Hong Kong and Singapore will hear of their efforts in
\nButon and Tukangbesi islands from publicity of the operation.<\/p>\n
Northern Buton, in the Muna region where the endangered Maleo
\ncan be found, is far less developed than the southern region.<\/p>\n
Although Buton regent Col. Saidoe is enthusiastic about the
\necotourism idea, so far neither experts nor government officials
\nhave a clear idea about how they will materialize it. (pan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ecotourism-promising-for-buton-1447893297",
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