REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MANADO -- North Sulawesi Governor, Olly Dondokambey said that the accumulation of plastic waste can damage the marine ecosystem and its habitats of coral reef and fish as well as other marine species in Bunaken National Park (BNP).

“Bunaken has become an iconic place in the world so there is no need for additional comments on further maintaining and preserving this place. Efforts like this can be done by building public awareness,” the governor said in Manado on Monday (13/6).  

According to the Governor, the plastic wastes that are often found in the park cannot be separated from activities of the community who uses the river as a place to depose their trash. Therefore, he suggested the momentum of “Coral Triangle Day” held on Saturday (11/6) that encourages the awareness of the community to reduce the use of plastic as well as disposing the waste in the spaces provided.

“Preservation of Bunken National park is important for the future generation. Let us Reduce the use of plastic garbage and replace it with an eco-friendly material,” he said.

Some rivers, such as Malalayang, Sario, Tondano, Talawaan that carry human waste materials including plastic waste products empties into the Gulf of Manado. The rubbish is then swept away and are heading to the islands and into tourist attractions such as Manado Tua, Siladen, Nain Mantehage and Bunaken.

“To maintain and preserve North Sulawesi’ reefs in order to boost tourism, is the work of all the people of North Sulawesi, not only the government. The government also did not stop campaigning for the conservation movement of Bunaken National Park," he said.