Clean Sea, Smart Environment: The Work of Conservation Organizations in Education
The sea is one of the most important sources of life on earth. Therefore, the clean sea movement is becoming increasingly important, not only as an effort to save the environment, but also as a means of education for the wider community. One of the organizations that is active in these conservation and educational activities is the Bali Exotic Marine Park, which not only cleans the sea, but also provides education about the protection of marine fauna, especially dolphins.
Clean Sea: More Than Just Action
Marine cleanup activities are not only limited to collecting garbage from the waters. It is a big movement that involves awareness, education, and real action. Many environmental conservation organizations routinely hold marine cleanup activities as a form of social responsibility and commitment to nature. Ocean cleanup action is essential to maintain the balance of the marine ecosystem, which is home to various types of marine flora and fauna, such as coral reefs, fish, turtles, and marine mammals such as dolphins.
By keeping the ocean clean, we help save living things that depend on the marine environment. Many of these animals, such as dolphins, are threatened by plastic waste and chemical pollution that continues to increase over time. Therefore, the clean sea campaign is also a means of educating the public about the adverse impact of waste on the ocean and its contents.
Bali Exotic Marine Park: An Educational Conservation
One of the prominent organizations in the field of marine conservation and public education is the Bali Exotic Marine Park. Located in Bali, this organization not only focuses on the conservation of marine animals, but also plays an important role in educating the public, especially the younger generation, about the importance of protecting the ocean.
Bali Exotic Marine Park is known for the dolphin conservation programs they run. In this place, dolphins are not only well cared for, but also used as educational ambassadors. Through safe and ethical interactions with dolphins, visitors can learn more about marine life and the importance of ocean conservation. This is not just entertainment, but a meaningful learning experience.
The educational program includes an explanation of how plastic and hazardous waste threaten the lives of dolphins and other marine creatures. By providing this understanding first-hand, Bali Exotic Marine Park manages to create an emotional connection between humans and the ocean, ultimately driving real action in support of the clean ocean movement.
The Importance of Protecting the Sea for Flora and Fauna
The sea is not just a place of recreation or a source of food, but an important habitat for millions of species of flora and fauna. Many marine organisms have a vital role in the food chain and in maintaining the balance of global ecosystems. When the ocean is polluted, the entire ecosystem is disturbed, and this has a direct or indirect impact on humans.
For example, if coral reefs are damaged by garbage or chemicals, small fish lose shelter and breed. As a result, fish populations declined, and fishermen lost their source of livelihood. Therefore, maintaining the cleanliness of the ocean through the clean ocean movement is essential, not only for marine animals such as dolphins, but also for the survival of humans themselves.
The Future of the Ocean Is in Our Hands
The sea is a precious heritage that must be guarded together. The clean sea movement cannot be left to the government or conservation organizations alone. Active involvement from all parties — from the community, students, to industry players — is needed to ensure that the ocean remains clean and healthy for future generations.
Bali Exotic Marine Park shows that real action can go hand in hand with education. By combining scientific, educational, and emotional approaches, they are able to touch the hearts and minds of the community to care more about the sea.
Let’s start with small steps: not littering, reducing plastic use, and participating in ocean cleanup activities. Because from these small actions, a big impact can be created for better marine life.
How to Keep the Ocean Clean for the Community
Maintaining the cleanliness of the ocean is not only the task of environmentalists or conservation organizations. Everyone, including the general public, has an important role to play in the clean ocean movement. Efforts to keep the ocean clean can start from small things in daily life. Here are some concrete ways that the community can contribute to maintaining the cleanliness of the sea:
- Reduce the Use of Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics are one of the main causes of ocean pollution. Plastic bottles, straws, plastic bags, and styrofoam often end up in rivers and are washed up to the sea. The community can help clean up the ocean by starting to use reusable items, such as:
- Stainless or glass drinking bottles
- Fabric or woven shopping bags
- Stainless or bamboo straws
- Wearable food containers
By reducing plastic consumption, we help prevent ocean pollution before it happens.
- Do Not Throw Garbage into the River or Sea
Many people still throw garbage into sewers, rivers, or directly into the sea. This behavior is particularly dangerous because all water flows into the sea. Education about proper waste disposal is very important. Local governments, schools, and community leaders can jointly educate residents to dispose of waste in their places, sort waste, and utilize recycling facilities.
- Take part in Sea and Beach Cleanup Action
Clean-up activities are now often held by communities, environmental organizations, and schools. The general public can be involved as volunteers in this activity. In addition to helping maintain the cleanliness of the sea, this activity can also be an educational event and strengthen social solidarity. This real action is able to show children that protecting the ocean is important and can be done together.
Read More: Clean Without Plastic: Reducing Single-Use Plastics in BEMP
- Supporting Eco-Friendly Products
People can choose products that are environmentally friendly and do not contribute to marine pollution. For example, choosing household products that are free of microplastics, biodegradable soaps, and detergents that are safe for the environment. In addition, by supporting MSMEs or producers who are committed to the environment, the community helps create a more sustainable economic system.
- Planting Mangroves and Artificial Coral Reefs
Local communities can work with environmental organizations in mangrove planting and artificial coral reef installation. Mangroves help resist abrasion and filter waste before it enters the sea. Meanwhile, artificial coral reefs can help restore damaged underwater ecosystems.
- Holding or Participating in Environmental Workshops and Seminars
Increasing knowledge about the ocean and how to protect it can be done by attending workshops, seminars, or educational classes organized by conservation organizations. These events are usually open to the public and can provide a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the ocean today as well as the solutions that communities can take.
Conclusion
Clean-up activities are not only an environmental movement, but also a form of our love and responsibility for the earth. By supporting conservation organizations such as Bali Exotic Marine Park, as well as getting involved in real action, we can create a generation that is environmentally conscious and cares about the survival of marine flora and fauna. Clean seas today, healthy seas in the future.