Indonesia’s Komodo National Park will implement periodic closures to protect its fragile ecosystem and ensure long-term sustainability, with these conservation cool-offs expected to start mid-2025.
The exact format of the closure has yet to be decided, stated officials.
Komodo National Park will manage visitor flows to allow quiet periods of recovery for the ecosystem
Frans Teguh, CEO of Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Board, emphasised the need for the park to regenerate for sustainability, and the goal of the periodic closures is to minimise disruptions to both conservation efforts and the tourism industry.
Frans said efforts would be made to “manage the flow of tourists”.
Several factors have contributed to the decision for the periodic closures. Intense tourism activity has put significant pressure on the park’s natural resources, which need time for recovery.
Additionally, the government aims to diversify tourism within the region. It is promoting other attractions on Flores Island and creating economic opportunities for more local communities. Infrastructure and amenities in Labuan Bajo and Flores have been developing over the last few years, all to disperse travellers beyond the national park. Currently under development is the Parapuar Labuan Bajo, a 400-hectare green space that will comprise zones for culture, recreation, wildlife, and adventure.
Nia Niscaya, a senior advisor at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, acknowledged the challenges posed by the periodic closure, and stressed the importance of public education and communication to ensure understanding and support for the decision.
Nia said the initiative now would pave the way for something better in the future.
She is optimistic that the decision to close Komodo National Park periodically can maintain a healthier Komodo ecosystem in the future.
“This step is part of sustainable, inclusive, and quality development,” she remarked.
Indonesia’s Komodo National Park will implement periodic closures to protect its fragile ecosystem and ensure long-term sustainability, with these conservation cool-offs expected to start mid-2025.
The exact format of the closure has yet to be decided, stated officials.
Frans Teguh, CEO of Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Board, emphasised the need for the park to regenerate for sustainability, and the goal of the periodic closures is to minimise disruptions to both conservation efforts and the tourism industry.
Frans said efforts would be made to “manage the flow of tourists”.
Several factors have contributed to the decision for the periodic closures. Intense tourism activity has put significant pressure on the park’s natural resources, which need time for recovery.
Additionally, the government aims to diversify tourism within the region. It is promoting other attractions on Flores Island and creating economic opportunities for more local communities. Infrastructure and amenities in Labuan Bajo and Flores have been developing over the last few years, all to disperse travellers beyond the national park. Currently under development is the Parapuar Labuan Bajo, a 400-hectare green space that will comprise zones for culture, recreation, wildlife, and adventure.
Nia Niscaya, a senior advisor at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, acknowledged the challenges posed by the periodic closure, and stressed the importance of public education and communication to ensure understanding and support for the decision.
Nia said the initiative now would pave the way for something better in the future.
She is optimistic that the decision to close Komodo National Park periodically can maintain a healthier Komodo ecosystem in the future.
“This step is part of sustainable, inclusive, and quality development,” she remarked.