The rehabilitation work of coral reefs has involved the coastal communities in the area.Denpasar (ANTARA News) - The Bali provincial administration conducted a coral reef rehabilitation program to ensure the sustainability of marine habitat.
The coral reef rehabilitation program was conducted because 20,8 percent of the existing 7.200-hectare coral reefs in Bali were in damage condition, a spokesman of the Bali provincial administration I Ketut Teneng said here on Thursday.
He said that the rehabilitation work of coral reefs has involved the coastal communities in the area, and the local government has also provided stimulus funds.
Each coastal village which is concerned about the preservation of the marine environment will receive assistance amounting Rp50 million from the local government.
The preservation of coral reefs and underwater habitats is necessary to protect dozens of species of ornamental fish. It is also an important attraction for tourists who want to enjoy the underwater panorama.
Ketut added that the preservation of the underwater world is expected to have a positive impact on the local communities who mostly earn their living as fishermen.
Some of local fishermen, whoever, have changed their job to be tour guides to bring tourists to enjoy the underwater panorama, said Ketut.
(T.S038/F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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