WWF Papua to Preserve Flora, Fauna Through Ecotourism

Jayapura, Papua, April 30 (Antara) - The WWF Papua Program aims to assist in developing Papua's ecotourism by preserving endangered fauna such as whale shark (Rhincodon Typus), or locally called "gurano bintang", and star fruit turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), among other things. Environmental conservation should also provide economic benefits to the local community, Director of the WWF Papua Program Benja Victor Mambai in Sentani, Jayapura District, stated on Thursday. The conservation programs for fruit star turtles and whale sharks carried out by the WWF and the forestry ministry in Nabire should be part of the ecotourism program, he affirmed. A workshop and training on whale sharks was organized in Nabire in May 2011. When tourists visit Nabire to see the whale sharks and turtles, the local community could earn a living from ecotourism by help to preserve the animals. Whale sharks can be easily found in Cenderawasih Bay, Papua Province, while star fruit turtles live in Jamursba Medi and Warmon beaches, Papua. "Both star fruit turtles and whale sharks are categorized as endangered," he emphasized. In Cenderawasih (Paradise) Bay National Park, there are approximately 209 recorded species of fish including butterflyfish, angelfish, damselfish, parrotfish, rabbitfish, and anemonefish. At least four species of turtles often land in the national park: hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), green turtle (Chelonia mydas), turtle (Lepidochelys olivaceae), and star fruit turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Dugong (Dugong dugon), blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), coconut crab (Birgus latro), dolphins, and sharks are often seen in the waters of Cenderawasih Bay National Park.