John Bantin 101 Posted February 17, 2010 Excuse me for cross-posting this: http://www.undercurrent.org/blog/2010/02/17/paper-parks/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drew 0 Posted February 17, 2010 John, thanks for posting this. I'm surprised Burt and Maureen wrote this but I guess this issue has been probably boiling over for the last 3-4 years. Both Burt and Maureen are much more knowledgeable than I am in regards to Komodo Park but I'll add what I know. PNK (Putri Naga Komodo) and PKA Balai Taman Nasional Komodo are the administrators for the park now, with funding from several sources like the park fees and TNC. There have always been reports of illegal fishing, mostly fishermen from the South Sulawesi area. It was a real wild wild west in the formation of the park days with rangers getting shot (I happen to know one of them) by fishermen. Here are the people to write to (sorry to those whom I know but life is a bitch! ): Marcus Matthews-Sawyer Director of Tourism, Marketing, and Communications e-mail: marcus@putrinagakomodo.com info@putrinagakomodo.com Ir. Tamen Sitorus, MSc. Head of Komodo National Park E-mail: tamen_tnk@yahoo.co.id Heru Rudiharto, S.Si, MP. Head of Administration Department Balai Taman Nasional Komodo E-mail: hrudiharto@yahoo.com Hendrikus Rani Siga, S.Hut. Head of Section I Region, Rinca Island Balai Taman Nasional Komodo E-mail: ranisiga@yahoo.com Please note that while PNK is having problems (like every bureaucracy does in every part of the world), what has been done in the last 15-20 years is amazing. It could be a transitional phase as the park becomes more self-sufficient in management. From what I've heard, the ranger stations are in a bit of a state due to resources not being channeled properly. Resources are scarce but they did cut down a lot of illegal fishing in the past. To expect a full blockade of such a large area is impossible, as it would have to be dependent on the illegal fishermen being law abiding or even knowing there is a protective area. Having been on a patrol boat in Indonesia, I can say it is not that simple for a couple of dozen of rangers keeping out thousands of fishermen 24/7, 365 days a year. It is a thankless, dangerous and tedious job, plus the pay is low. Often, the fishermen are just paid to go fish in these areas and the fleet employers enjoy their fruit of the spoils in relative safety from the law. It's not that easy to blame one party for all the wrong doings. It is very easy to criticize but much more difficult to field solutions. That said, if the ranger stations are not functioning at full capacity then the management have to correct that. I agree with Burt and Maureen that we, as customers, should voice our concerns. However, when you do write, please realize it is a difficult job and demands are often seen as an ugly trait. Simply voice your concern as a customer (potential or past) so to let them know that people are watching them work, but please keep it very civil and undemanding, as often those tones tend to be ignored. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
