Pulau besar: This final instalment of a three-part feature on Pulau Besar, Johor, explores whether sustainable tourism could offer a solution to the challenges faced by the island's community.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the issue of marine debris is severe in Malaysia, with plastic waste threatening the rich biodiversity of the region, particularly in the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park. Conservationists attribute the pristine appearance of the marine park to regular clean-up efforts, highlighting the significant waste management challenges. Noor Azariyah 'Naja' Mohtar, executive director of Tengah Island Conservation (TIC), emphasizes the role of sustainable practices in addressing these challenges. TIC has initiated programs like Rumah Eko to manage waste sustainably, encouraging islanders to participate actively.
Despite these efforts, the dependency on plastic persists among both tourists and locals. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reports that a significant portion of waste generated on islands comes from tourism-related activities, with plastic comprising about 70 percent. This influx of waste threatens the beauty that attracts visitors to Pulau Besar and raises questions about changing people's behavior towards more sustainable practices.
Malaysia's rich marine biodiversity, particularly within the Coral Triangle, contrasts sharply with its status as a top contributor to ocean plastic pollution. Environmentalists point to issues like 'trash colonialism,' where developed nations export waste to countries like Malaysia, exacerbating local waste management problems. In response, the Malaysian government has introduced policies like the National Marine Debris Policy and Action Plan 2021-2030 to curb plastic use and promote responsible waste management.
Waste management consultant Dr. S. Sri Umeswara notes that some tour operators actively engage in conservation efforts, but highlights that Malaysian tourists are often the worst offenders when it comes to littering. This sentiment is echoed by local community leaders like 'Tuk' Kelana bin Ali Kahar, who emphasizes the need for a cultural shift towards more responsible tourism practices.
Efforts to educate tourists and locals about sustainable practices continue through initiatives led by TIC and other organizations. The Rumah Eko serves as a hub for these educational efforts, promoting traditional practices like using natural materials over single-use plastics. However, challenges remain, particularly in changing deeply ingrained cultural practices, such as the consumption of turtle eggs.
Innovative solutions are being explored to address marine debris, such as the development of machines that convert abandoned fishing nets into 3-D printing filaments. This initiative, led by Mersing Polytechnic's Norazida Ali, aims to generate income for locals and support sustainable tourism efforts.
Despite the challenges, there is hope that Pulau Besar can thrive through sustainable practices and a shared commitment to preserving its natural beauty. As community leaders like Tuk Kelana express optimism for the future, the island's legacy of conservation and sustainability may endure, driven by the dedication of both locals and conservationists.