Marine Environment Management: Lack of Scientific Evidence is a Threat

07:08 Baso Hamdani 0 Comments

“You should write and publish more”. This is what I say to myself when realize that I am not good enough and not really appropriate to show scientific evidence for discussion which I had done for researching and protecting marine environment especially in coral triangle area from anthropogenic impacts. My activities are mostly based scientific and sustainable development (ecological and socio-economic aspects) by empowering local communities. 

Lack of scientific evidence is not only a threat ^ref to the environment but also to the socio-economical impact. I appreciate people working as field workers. However, lack of publicity in the national and international stage is a threat for both ecology and socio-economical impact due to insufficient information regarding actual impacts, pressures, and responses.

It can be said that it is all about marine environmental management. Pseudo-scientist, for instance, will make unsuitable management concept for the marine environment or people who do not understand the local area well or even never come to the location directly for instance. As a result, the engagement between stakeholders including scientists, local people, policy-makers to understand marine environment complexity are difficult to be connected. In my point of view, people working in the field tend to understand more the process of human interaction and marine habitat. Moreover, people who have the background for special education related to marine environment will be excellent.  Furthermore, it is all in audio-visual approvement without written evidence which is weaknesses for some people.

There are many scientists, activists, organizations, and universities that I know in Indonesia who have been doing a lot of marine environmental protection but the eager to publish their article it is such challenging effort. There are several reasons; lack of writing skill especially English, lack of access to the international journal, and lack of confidence.