Komodo National Park, Indonesia, July 15, 2019 — An important agreement was signed today between the Dive Operators Community Komodo (DOCK) and MantaWatch to strengthen collaboration for sustainable tourism development in and around Komodo National Park, Indonesia. The overarching goal of this collaboration is to leverage the combined knowledge, expertise and capabilities of these two organisations to progress the environmental, social and economic sustainability of this globally significant marine tourism destination.
DOCK and MantaWatch are confident that healthy marine and coastal ecosystems in and around Komodo National Park are an invaluable asset that underpins the livelihoods of local communities and the region’s economy. Sustaining these values will require careful management based on sound evidence, and collaboration between sectors.
In signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), DOCK and MantaWatch have formalised their commitment to increased collaboration and cooperation. The agreement defines the framework through which the two parties will work together to maximise their collective endeavours.
Through the MOU, which is initially effective for a period of five years, the parties have agreed to strengthen ecological monitoring and support the development and implementation of evidence-based sustainable marine tourism guidelines and policies for Komodo National Park.
“The signing of this MOU is an important milestone for MantaWatch and DOCK, but most crucially for the ecosystems of Komodo National Park and the businesses and communities that depend on them. This agreement is a clear demonstration of the collective desire for responsible and sustainable marine tourism development for this region”, said Andrew Harvey, Executive Director of MantaWatch.
“Komodo National Park is world famous and draws tourists from around the world. We firmly belief that the tourism industry has a vital role to play to ensure this popularity continues to deliver sustainable benefits to our community”, said Susan Stephanie, Project and Conservation Manager of DOCK.
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For additional information please contact:
Mr Jon Harris, Media Relations
20-22 Wenlock Road, London N1 7GU, United Kingdom
jon@mantawatch.com
Notes for editors:
1. Dive Operators Community Komodo (DOCK), previously known as the Komodo National Park Dive Operators Association, was established in 2008 to provide a unified voice for the growing dive industry in Komodo National Park. Comprised of 16 members, DOCK is committed to sustainable tourism development, and focussed on quality of service, safe diving practices, and environmental conservation.
2. Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in eastern Indonesia. As well as being the last remaining habitat of the Komodo dragon, the Park is home to some of the richest marine biodiversity on earth, including whales, turtles and manta rays.
3. MantaWatch is a UK conservation organisation that inspires and empowers people to conserve their local marine ecosystems. MantaWatch works to achieve its vision of sustainable ocean ecosystems that support thriving populations of manta rays and other marine biodiversity, and underpin the welfare of coastal communities.
