Laut Lestari Wakatobi

That morning all the crew has made final preparations Aquilla Trike flying aircraft belonging to the Wakatobi National Park from the airport Betoambari Bau-Bau to the airport Matahora Wanci. Checking the engine and additional fuel tanks has been done on the previous evening by a mechanic. Wing positions have also been set at a maximum speed and fuel has been fully charged, enough for a four-hour flight. Based on estimates of the GPS travel time only about 1.5 hours.

Thick clouds welcomed at an altitude of 500 feet, the aircraft climbed steadily encouraged to avoid the cloud. The aircraft also had to fly to weave for avoiding obstacles clouds and look for cracks. But sometimes the clouds that must be penetrated because it is not possible to be avoided. When the column of steam and the air surrounding it looks just white. These sensations of course can not be obtained from the cabin of a commercial aircraft.

The maximum height reached in approximately 5,000 feet airlines. Aircraft can not fly at maximum speed for upwind from the front is quite strong. The speed is only half the pace that had been expected to make air travel is becoming longer.

Some time after the escape from the mainland island of Buton, vaguely starting to look mainland kapota follow later Wangi-scented. The largest island of the group of four islands that make up the name Wakatobi has become the main entrance for visitors. Add Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko be Wakatobi, donated two words beginning of each name of the island. Formerly known as the Iron Works islands.

Before landing at the airport Betoambari on the north side of the island Wangi-scented, this plane was flying low around the coast. The shallow waters overgrown seagrass conspicuous separates the dark sea and shady trees on the mainland. Visible settlements densely crowded seaside nan. From the above can be seen also pools of blue Area Wanci. At the time of low tide pool was not affected because of unobstructed sand or rock. Where the circulating water ecosystems tend to be quiet is called the lagoon (lagoon).

Not many blue hole dive into this arrangement different from the coral reefs on the edge of the island. Response to natural phenomena such as coral bleaching (coral bleaching) tend to be faster, because when there is an increase in sea water temperature, the water temperature in a small lagoon tends to be higher. For the sake of science, these characteristics become important to note.

Conservation area covering 1,390,000 ha has a wealth of 750 species of coral from 850 species in the world. Dozens of divers dive spot can be enjoyed in the area including the world coral triangle area. If visitors can not use scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) can still see colorful marine life by snorkeling. Tools needed only a mask, snorkel, and fins (frog legs). At a depth of 2-5 we can say hello to the fish pretty winding between healthy reef.

Three per cent of the land area is inhabited by 9 Wakatobi indigenous peoples, among others Wanci, Mandati, Liya, kapota, Kaledupa, Waha, Tongano, Timu, and Mbeda widely. Also there are Bajo immigrant communities and ethnic Cia-cia from Buton. Their lives are very dependent on the wealth of the seas so that sustainable development of marine products and sustainable tourism precedence.

Because of its dependence with nature, comes wisdom in their utilization. Bajo known as an accomplished sailor familiar with the term "Pamali" for things that are prohibited, some sort of a system of 'taboo'. For example prohibited from disposing of garbage, such as lime peel, remaining seasoning and other debris into the sea. Still a small fish are also prohibited arrested before reaching a size suitable for consumption. There is a fear that is felt when they break because it will get the "hosts" or bad luck. Such as storms, big waves, and heavy rain or even they will not get the fish. Return with empty hands.

Local knowledge is growing at Bajo is in line with conservation efforts to protect marine resources in the region 97 percent in the form of oceans. Conservation programs that have been implemented since penujukkan Wakatobi became a national park in 1996 and then considered by UNESCO through the Man and the Biosphere program. This program gives attention to the terrestrial and marine ecosystems that implement biodiversity conservation cooperation with socio-economic development and preserve cultural values.

After the proposed studied in depth by the experts then in July 2012, the national park was officially named as a Biosphere Reserve. We may as proud could be a concern Wakatobi 165 member countries of the world network of biosphere reserves. The gazetting is certainly not in a short time, there is a serious and consistent efforts of the area manager. Being biosphere reserves in Indonesia proved to eight area management with the principles of conservation and sustainable development can run harmoniously.