Bunaken National Marine Park has beaten more than 70 other entrants in the worldwide competition to win this year’s British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow awards, which raises awareness of the world’s leading role models for responsible tourism.
The park’s management initiative has brought an end to damaging environmental practices such as coral mining, mangrove cutting and blast and cyanide fishing. At the same time is has helped improve livelihood opportunities for 30,000 local residents.
Almost a third of the park’s entrance fees are used to fund conservation and development projects which are proposed and implemented by the community.
Speaking about the global winner Professor David Bellamy, chairman of the judging panel said, “Bunaken is what natural parks and nature based tourism are all about. It is a biodiverse area of great beauty and importance to its nation and the world.”
Now come and dive an inspiring award-winner!
