Imagine that the underwater world is bursting with color – it has to hundreds of unique species and many of the planet’s maritime life. This is Indonesia.
Not only the biggest archival country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is an epicenter of world marine biological diversity, with probably the most coral reefs on the earth.
With over 51,000 km² of coral reefs – it organizes 18% of the entire whole on the earth – Indonesia dominates within the coral triangle, the richest maritime ecosystem on the planet.
Coral Triangle: The Amazon of the Seas
Frequently known as the “Amazon of the Sea”, the coral triangle includes sea territories of six countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Timor-Wimens, Papua New Guinea and Salomon Islands.
76% of all known species of corals on the earth develop here – in accordance with 605 of 798 WWF. It can also be home to 37% of world species of coral reef fish and 6 out of seven species of sea turtles on the earth, which makes it probably the most productive and biologically complex marine regions on Earth.
And undoubtedly Indonesia lies in its heart. One of probably the most unusual places is the Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua, especially the island of Raja Ampat.
Only on this small region scientists noted 553 species of corals – greater than every other country on the earth. It could be safely said that Raja Ampat is the “heart of the center” of world marine biological diversity.
The richest coral reef zones in Indonesia
Indonesia is home to many sea areas, which usually are not only stunning, but in addition ecologically necessary. Below are a number of the key regions that contribute to the extraordinary underwater biological diversity within the country:
1. Raja Ampat (West Papua) – a masterpiece of nature in eastern Indonesia
Over 1,500 small islands are created by the Raja Ampat archipelago, and every of its inch has a tremendous biological diversity. With over 550 species of coral and 1600 reef fish species, this area is a paradise for researchers, divers and natural photographers.
The wealthy Raj Ampat ecosystem has been preserved due to the mixture of ideal ocean currents, minimal human interference and the presence of well -managed maritime protection zones covering over 1.3 million hectares.
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In the center of the coral triangle lies the Wakatobi-Clasts of the Islands within the south-eastern a part of Sulawesi named after its 4 most important islands: Wangi-Wanda, Caledupa, Tomii and Binongko.
Wakatobi, designated as a national park covering 1.39 million hectares, is home to over 750 species of coral – about 88% of all known species of corals on the earth – in addition to almost a thousand species of fish.
Wakatobi is a favourite amongst maritime scientists attributable to the complexity of reef systems and high protection value.
3. Bunaken (North Sulawesi) – a wealthy marine national park
Located near Manado in North Sulawesi, the Bunaken National Park consists of the five most important islands and is thought for its diversity of coral reefs.
According to the publication entitled 2023 “Coral conditions of coral reef on the island of North Sulawesi Bunaken“ Bunaken, a coral lid in Lekuan Duaen, was registered at 58.19%, which indicates the healthy conditions of the reef.
Bunaken can also be home to a big selection of reef and sea fish invertebrates, which makes him probably the most necessary diving places in Indonesia.
Treasurer of endemic species
One of the things that makes Indonesia’s sea ecosystem really unusual is the presence of endemic species of corals – these weren’t found anywhere else on Earth.
For example, Isopora Togianensis It grows only on the islands of Togan, Central Sulawesi. This coral has a characteristic branched shape, which makes it unique each morphologically and ecologically.
Meanwhile, Indophyllia macassarensisStrong and infrequently visible soft corals can only be present in the waters around Makassar. Due to its sensitivity to environmental changes, it has turn out to be a key subject of protection.
Then it’s Acropora SuharsonoiFound within the waters at Lombok, known for its rapid growth, but in addition due to high susceptibility to disruption of the ecosystem.
Global responsibility for defense
Thanks to the unparalleled richness of coral reefs, Indonesia plays a key role in global maritime protection. But this wealth is related to great responsibility: protect, preserve and convey this biological diversity to future generations.
For Southeast Asia and the world, Indonesia is greater than a diving place – it’s certainly one of the last fortresses of the intact maritime life. Understanding, valuation and support for the protection of coral reefs isn’t any longer just an option – this can be a common necessity.
