Path toward the collapse of an island tourism destination.

Several days ago, i went to mantanani island for a site visit. A tourism project that i have been involved with for several years now.

I've not been to mantanani for a while now as the group of company i am with which drives the direction and investment portfolio has put me on different focus along with certain internal issue. So since everything now is sorted out and with direction became clearer, this visit was crucial.

As we leave Kota Kinabalu heading to mantanani, behind is Sutera Harbour Resort

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During this visit, i was caught by surprise n the number of lobster, abalone and live fish harvest within surrounding island reefs is sold for china tourist to purchase.

I was disgusted by what i saw, as all this only spell unsustainable.

I imagine this , with the increase of china tourist in the island , and local keep collecting all these lobster and abalone, it will be just matter of time that they will have nothing left for divers and eco tourist to enjoy. everything is in the china tourist tummy.

through by observation , the lobster and abalone that is collected is all small in sizes. This is truly a frustrating sight.

I understand there is an NGO that is working in the island, trying to create a conservation area including some alternative livehood for local community. However , clearly from what i need there i so much more that is needed to be done.

Tourism operator must be held responsible for allowing such practise to continue. Clearly all of them is doing everything for short term basis.

Example of lobster and abalone tank display by the beach to tourist to choose

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Having a social enterprise called Borneo Conservancy that focuses on marine conservation , this put me in a dilemma. i am so tempted to call up the NGO and speak to them and more importantly to start working on a strategy to engage tourism and island fisheries stakeholder for collaborative management in the island for coexistence and sustainability.

It been day now since my visit, and so much of this is taking my thinking time. i guess the time is now to react. if nothing is done , all this will be the cause of the island tourism business to naturally collapse.

Time to get the whole team together and get a plan started. Wish us luck.

Why Am I Here

Daniel Doughty loves his community and ideas but hates writing. Steemit is a brilliant platform that would help him express his thoughts and helps him practise his writing, he hopes to get better at it.

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