Determination Of Karang Reef Conservation Area On Wediombo Beach DIY Waits For KKP Verification

Illustration - Coral Reef. BETWEEN/HO-KKP

YOGYAKARTA - The Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (DKP) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta stated that the determination of a coral reef conservation area on Wediombo Beach, Girisubo, Gunungkidul Regency is awaiting technical verification from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP). "There will be technical verification from the KKP before the determination," said Head of Coastal Maritime Affairs and Supervision of DKP DIY Veronica Vony RUrong when contacted in Yogyakarta, quoted from Antara, Tuesday, August 20. According to Veronica, the document proposing the determination of a coral reef conservation area on Wediombo Beach has been submitted by DKP DIY to KPP RI. The proposed coral reef area for the conservation zone has an area of approximately 4,400 hectares. "After that, the technical verification will be from various sub-directorates of the KKP and the latter from the legal bureau," he said. The proposal for the determination of coral reef conservation areas is expected to be able to support the blue economy program launched by the government. Based on a DKP DIY study, continued Veronica, Wediombo Beach has a wealth of coral reef ecosystems that are still in good condition and can be maintained. The existence of coral reefs in the area is also able to provide protection as well as a place to find food for various marine biota, such as fish and turtles. The more turtles, he said, will become predators for seafarers so that they are able to maintain natural balance so that fishing production will increase. Vony said that after the conservation zone was established, various coral reef protection management activities in the area would have legal force. The conservation zone will be divided into three zones, namely the core zone, utilization zone, and other zones.

According to him, the core zone has an area of 10 percent of the habitat area. "In the zone (core) it should not be used for tourism activities," he said.