The Big Question

We get asked this all the time. After talks; at conferences; during exhibitions. We have just delivered conservation messages that usually address “the bigger picture”.

But people are often left unmoved because they can’t themselves (choose your pet peeve) install sewage treatment on the islands…enforce good practices among divers and snorkelers…insist resorts improve waste management…etc.

So? Who do I Need to Talk to?

So, exactly what are we asking people to do?

I used to trot out all the usual platitudes – recycle, switch off lights, etc. All that small stuff that is actually easy to do and, if we all do it, can make a difference.

But there’s more to it than that (duhh!).

How do we get the real decision makers (i.e. the government) to address that “bigger picture” that we as individuals can’t? And I think this is where most people lose interest.

“It’s government, lah. They’re all the same…” …how many times have I heard that?

But more recently I have started to encourage people to write to their MP – and other relevant authorities – to make their voice heard. The reason for this is that over the last 12-18 months we have met quite a few MPs, and I have been very pleasantly surprised at the positive response we have received.

How Do I Know What to Say to Them?

Yeah, here’s the “but”. Be reassured – it’s only a small one.

You need to go into meetings prepared. They are not experts on everything. They need solid briefing and you need to tell them what you want. What are your “asks”.

And then I received this email. It was from a diver who recently made a trip to Tenggol, and he wrote a long (3 pages!!!), passionate email about his experience. Not a rant. Reasoned, unemotional, practical. I’m reproducing a summary of it here, with his permission, because this is what more people need to do.

It is a great example of how an email can make a difference:

  • A good analysis of the problem
  • A good number of recommendations for action
  • Circulated to the right people: Department of Fisheries (the relevant section!!), the local MP, Tourism Terengganu, Department…and us…
  • And specific “asks”.

The Diver’s Experience In Tenggol

Here’s the introduction:

COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS REGARDING VISITOR CONGESTION AND DIVE SITE MANAGEMENT IN TENGGOL ISLAND

I am a recreational diver and often visit diving destinations in Malaysia. I am writing to express my frustration and concern regarding the condition of the dive sites on Tenggol Island which are becoming overcrowded due to the increasing number of operators, boats and divers.

Tenggol Island is one of the most special diving destinations in Malaysia. In my opinion, among the main attractions are the good condition of the reefs, the diversity of marine life and the quality diving experience.

However, based on my recent experience, I am concerned that the increase in the number of visitors and unproperly controlled diving activities could put increasing pressure on the marine ecosystem as well as affect the quality of the diving experience in Tenggol.

The issue is not simply the large number of tourists. What is more worrying is the situation where too many boats and groups of divers gather at the same dive site at the same time.

These conditions can not only affect the safety of divers and visitor experiences, but also potentially increase physical stress on coral reefs and marine life.

I understand that the tourism sector provides significant economic benefits to operators, local communities and the state of Terengganu. Therefore, I am not suggesting that tourism activities be stopped.

On the other hand, I am of the view that the growth of tourism in Pulau Tenggol should be accompanied by capacity management and more systematic control of the use of dive sites.

Direct. Honest. Unemotional. Issues identified.

Our team conducting Reef Check survey in Tenggol

Recommendations

But he went much further, outlining 10 suggestions for actions the authorities can take – and I can’t argue with a single one!! I have only listed the actual recommendations, not the arguments – which were included in each case!

In this regard, I would like to suggest that the authorities consider the following:

  • Temporary moratorium on new dive operator licenses
  • Determining the carrying capacity of Tenggol Island
  • Introduce a centralized dive site booking and scheduling syste
  • Set a maximum limit of boats and divers per site
  • Implement a system of rotation and temporary closure of the dive site
  • Improve the mooring system and prohibit anchoring activities in reef areas
  • Introduce transparent conservation fees
  • Regular environmental audit and operator operation
  • Establish a monitoring system and report on dive site usage
  • To make Tenggol Island a quality and sustainable diving destination

I believe Tenggol Island should not be managed solely on the goal of maximising the number of visitors. The true value of Tenggol lies in the quality of the marine ecosystem and the diving experience it offers.

Protecting these qualities will benefit not only the environment, but also the operators, local communities and the tourism economy of the state of Terengganu in the long run.

Destinations that have a controlled number of visitors, healthy reefs and quality diving experiences have more potential to remain sustainable than destinations that continue to increase visitor numbers until the environmental resources that are their own attractions begin to be affected.

In this regard, I hope that the authorities will be able to consider these concerns and suggestions and conduct a review of the management of visitors and dive sites on Tenggol Island.

Honestly, this guy does NOT work for RCM. I asked about his background – the arguments and recommendations were spot on; the response was that he cares and did a bit of reading.

What, Specifically, Are You Asking For?

This was the best part. He specifically asked for some data and further information:

I would also appreciate it if the authorities could provide feedback regarding:

  1. Tenggol Island’s current storage capacity;
  2. Number and management of dive operator licenses;
  3. Current limits on the number of boats and divers per dive site; and
  4. Existing measures to control congestion at dive sites.

Doesn’t leave much wriggle room. Very specific questions, very targeted.

Closing with a plea to look after a special place, and mentioning budget 2027, which includes Tenggol in the list of tourist destinations to be developed, he finished with:

I really appreciate your attention and feedback on this matter. It is time for the authorities to take immediate and decisive steps to preserve Mini Sipadan before it is too late.

In other words…”do something”!!!

And Thank You from Me

Re-reading this I realised that perhaps it sounds a bit like a course in civics!! It’s not intended to be. It’s simply recognising someone for taking the effort to write, who did it the right way, and is more likely to have an impact.

But sincerely, thank you for taking the time to write. We need more people like this.

And I promise we will do our best to follow up.

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