The Tonle Sap lake in Cambodia is home to the world’s only floating national park and it is in danger. Located at the heart of Southeast Asia, this lake is an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and over 3 million people rely on the lake and its resources for their livelihood.
Tonle Sap Lake and its Importance
Tonle Sap is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of Cambodia, and its importance cannot be overstated. It is the country’s largest freshwater lake and provides a crucial habitat for hundreds of species of fish, reptiles and mammals, as well as 26 species of waterbirds.
The lake is also the most important inland fishery in Southeast Asia, and it supports over 60,000 fishers and other aquatic trade workers. Tonle Sap is also a vital source of food, freshwater, and livelihood for millions of people living in the country.
Environmental Issues
Unfortunately, the lake is facing multiple environmental threats. Overfishing, pollution, and climate change have all contributed to the degradation of the lake’s ecosystem. Overfishing has significantly reduced stocks of native fish, and illegal fishing practices have damaged the fish habitats.
Pollution from agricultural runoff, untreated sewage, and industrial waste has also put the lake’s fragile infrastructure at risk, while climate change has caused extreme weather conditions that make it more difficult for people to survive in the area.
What Can Be Done to Protect the Floating National Park?
The Cambodian government, as well as the local communities, must work together to protect the lake and its resources.
- Enforce regulations – Strengthening regulations on fishing practices and controlling pollution from industrial and agricultural waste is essential.
- Increase awareness – Raising awareness about the importance of Tonle Sap and its resources should be a priority.
- Develop sustainable practices – Promoting environmentally-friendly practices, such as sustainable fishing, is a must.
- Create livelihood alternatives– Developing alternative livelihoods for those whose livelihoods depend on the lake is key.
Ultimately, protecting the world’s only floating national park is essential, not only for the ecological balance of the lake, but also for the people who depend on it for their livelihoods. With the right measures in place, the lake can still be saved. In a world where shrinking habitats for wildlife and increased industrial and tourism activities put immense pressure on nature, the world’s only floating national park, located in the Caribbean sea, has been under threat.
The Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo Archipelago National Natural Park, also known as the Rosario Islands, is located approximately 40km from Cartagena in the Caribbean sea, and is the only marine park in the world that floats in the sea thanks to a natural chain of islands and cays.
The chain of 27 islands and 42 cays, provides a valuable habitat for a variety of marine fauna and flora, and is a significant tourist destination. Unfortunately, this precious ecosystem is under increasing threat from the negative impacts of tourism and industrial activities.
The islands are threatened by illegal fishing operations, inadequate touristic practices and development and neglect. Touristic activities like jet-ski rental and other motorized activities harm the fragile coral and sea grasses. Pollution, mostly originating from the car-ferries that transport tourists and goods, also affects the environment.
In addition, the islands are threatened by manmade climate change, with a 75% decline in coral cover since 1990 and a marked increase in ocean temperatures.
The Colombian government is under increasing pressure to step up and protect this unique environment. To reduce the impact of tourism, jet-skis have been banned and fines imposed for those that ignore the bans. Marine patrols are becoming more frequent to monitor watercraft and scuba diving activities.
Nevertheless, more must be done to protect the unique environment of the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo Archipelago. The government must put into place measures to reduce the impact of climate change, such as improved monitoring and greater investment in clean energy.
It is up to us to find ways to ensure that the world’s only floating national park is preserved for future generations.