Protecting Raja Ampat’s Ecosystem
In Protecting Raja Ampat’s Ecosystem, Simon explores Raja Ampat, a marine paradise with over 2,000 fish species and coral reefs. While exploring, marine rangers board Simon’s boat to check permits and ensure no one is breaking the law in this protected area. The rangers share their vital work, like stopping illegal fishing of sea turtles and baby sharks which harms the ecosystem. New laws are a game-changer, saving Raja Ampat from the devastation caused by overfishing just a few decades ago. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
Lesson Express
Q: Why is it important for marine rangers to check for illegal fishing in Raja Ampat, and how does this contribute to the preservation of the ecosystem?
A: It is important because illegal fishing, such as catching sea turtles and baby sharks, can damage the delicate marine ecosystem in Raja Ampat. By enforcing fishing regulations, marine rangers help protect biodiversity, ensuring that species like coral reefs and fish populations remain healthy and sustainable for future generations.
Q: What do you think motivates the marine rangers to continue their work, even when they encounter illegal activities that make them angry or sad?
A: The motivation likely comes from their deep commitment to protecting the environment and preserving the biodiversity of Raja Ampat. Despite the challenges, they understand the importance of their work in ensuring the future health of the marine ecosystem and the people who rely on it.
Q: How do you think the creation of marine protected areas, like Raja Ampat, impacts the local community and economy in the long term?
A: Marine Protected Areas can help sustain fish populations, improve biodiversity, and create opportunities for eco-tourism, which can provide long-term economic benefits to local communities. By protecting the environment, these areas also ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from natural resources.
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In Resharking the Oceans, host Simon Reeve learns about the struggles sharks face due to overfishing, with millions killed each year. Sharks in Raja Ampat were on the brink of extinction, but thanks to the area’s now protected status, their numbers have increased 25 times. Simon also discovers "resharking," a conservation effort to repopulate the oceans with sharks. This initiative not only helps save sharks but also creates jobs for the local community. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.

In Resharking the Oceans, host Simon Reeve learns about the struggles sharks face due to overfishing, with millions killed each year. Sharks in Raja Ampat were on the brink of extinction, but thanks to the area’s now protected status, their numbers have increased 25 times. Simon also discovers "resharking," a conservation effort to repopulate the oceans with sharks. This initiative not only helps save sharks but also creates jobs for the local community. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.