Thousands of small islands in Indonesia are threatened with sinking in the next few decades due to natural disasters and global warming. Currently, 200 of these islands have been declared lost due to human activity and natural disasters, concluded the Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Vice Admiral (Ret.) Freddy Numberi on Friday (2/10) at the Widyatama University Auditorium while giving a public lecture.
Global warming and destruction of marine habitats are cited as the main causes of the disappearance of these islands. The decline in the quality of coastal ecosystems, mangrove deforestation, and coral bleaching have resulted in decreased fisheries productivity and reduced tourism value. In addition, rising sea levels are expected to inundate vital areas such as the International Airport in the capital city within the next 50 years.
At the end of his presentation, the Minister outlined five strategies to anticipate climate change: strengthening coastal zone management planning for disaster mitigation; second, man-made adaptation, which is the obligation of everyone in coastal areas to implement disaster mitigation; third, strengthening natural systems; fourth, strengthening the socio-economics of coastal communities; and finally, regional and international collaboration through the development of cooperation between countries.
