ENGGANO INDIGENOUS PUBLIC PROMOTE MANGROVE TOURISM

Bengkulu, June 27 (Antara) - The indigenous communities of Enggano island in Bengkulu are intensively promoting mangrove ecosystem tourism, according to Enggano Indigenous Youth Front (BPAN) Chairman Yudi Ariawan. "On the island of Enggano there are numerous pristine mangrove forests, both inside and outside conservation areas, and they are very beautiful for tourists to enjoy," Ariawan said here on Saturday. He noted that the mangrove tourist areas being promoted are in the regions of Kio Bay, Kahabi, Berahau, Kiyoyo, Kitap, and Kiabah. According to Ariawan, the mangrove forests in Kio Bay, Kiyoyo, and Kiabah are situated inside the conservation area under the management of the Bengkulu Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA). "Tourists who come to Enggano island will have the opportunity to take a boat to explore the mangrove forest ecosystem, to fish, and to enjoy the variety of flora and fauna," Ariawan noted. He explained that the island is covered by dense rainforest and mangrove forest vegetation and inhabited by wild buffalo, wild pigs, crocodiles, pythons and lizards, though the dominant animals are bird species. Further, he added that to accompany tourists to explore the mangrove habitat on the island, local residents have already provided guides who are based in the village of Meok. Ariawan noted that besides mangrove tourism, underwater tourism is also attracting visitors to the island of more than 2,800 inhabitants. "Tourists who come to the island can also go surfing, diving, and snorkeling," he said. In the meantime, the head of Bengkulu Tourism Office, Rudi Perdana, said underwater ecosystems and tropical forests in Enggano island have become the mainstay attractions, including the Rafflesia flower habitat and the so-called Seblat elephant habitat. He also said the condition of the Enggano island ecosystem is relatively good, when compared to other small islands on Sumatra's west coast. "The island is surrounded by white sandy beaches and very dense mangrove forests that have many different species of birds, such as woodpeckers, Enggano pergam birds, parrots and other bird species," he noted. ***1***