National Parks Explanation

Natural Conservation Areas (KPA) and National Parks

Natural conservation areas (KPA), also known as Kawasan Omanfatan Alam in Indonesian, are defined as areas with specific characteristics on land and in water. Their main functions include:

  • Protecting life support systems.
  • Preserving the diversity of plant and animal species.
  • Ensuring sustainable use of natural biological resources and their ecosystems.

Definition of National Parks (TN)

National Parks (TN), or Taman Nasional in Indonesian, are KPAs with original ecosystems managed using a zoning system. These zones are utilized for:

  • Research
  • Science
  • Education
  • Supporting cultivation
  • Tourism
  • Recreation

National Parks are part of KPAs, managed with a zoning system and characterized by a natural forest ecosystem.

Zoning within National Parks

National parks employ a zoning system for management, which includes:

Core Zone

The Core Zone is an area within a national park that is strictly protected. It prohibits any activities that reduce or eliminate its function. It also prevents the introduction of non-native plant and animal species. This zone maintains natural plants and animals without external interference.

  • No changes are allowed that reduce or eliminate its function.
  • No additional species of plants and animals that are not native.

The core zone is the characteristic of a national park that distinguishes it from other national parks. No introduction of outside species is allowed which preserves the natural plants and animals in a National Park.

Jungle Zone

The Jungle Zone supports the conservation interests of the Core Zone and the Utilization Zone. It is designed to support the sustainability of the Core Zone's ecosystem and can also be used to support the utilization zone.

Utilization Zone

The Utilization Zone is designed for natural tourism and other environmentally conscious activities. This zone is primarily utilized for the interest of natural tourism and other environmental conditions. Other zones as needed.

National Parks in Lampung Province

There are two national parks in Lampung Province:

  1. Waikambas National Park (East Lampung Regency)
  2. Bukit Barizan Svatan National Park (Tanggabas Regency)

Both parks have unique characteristics and different utilization zones.

Ecotourism Objectives in National Parks

Ecotourism in national parks aims to:

  • Promote conservation.
  • Increase the local economy
  • Foster environmental education.

Conservation in National Parks

Conservation involves managing natural resources wisely to ensure their continuous supply while maintaining and improving their quality, diversity, and value. It is an effort to manage natural resources whose use is carried out wisely to ensure the continuity of their supply while maintaining and improving the quality of their diversity and value.

Economic Welfare of Local Communities

National parks can improve the economic welfare of local communities through ecotourism, which encourages the local communities to preserve the forests.

Conserved Animals in Waikambas National Park

Waikambas National Park conserves several animal species, including:

  • Sumatran rhinoceros
  • Sumatran elephant (Kaja Sumatra)
  • Sumatran tiger (Harimo Sumatra)

The Elephant Conservation Center in Waikambas National Park protects wild elephants and prevents conflicts with local communities.

Causes of Habitat Destruction in Weykamba's National Park

The causes of habitat destruction in Weykamba's National Park are

  • Illegallogy.
  • Deforestation.
  • Harshness forests.
  • Landfires.

Deforestation vs. Degradation

  • Deforestation: Total removal of forest cover, converting it into non-forest land. The tree cover is permanently lost. The function of the forest as carbon sinks, animal habitat, water source is totally disrupted and is irreversible, so deforestation can cause a reduction in the area of forest.
  • Degradation: Decrease in the quality of a forest, reducing its function but still classified as a forest. It can include:
    • Illegal logging.
    • Small fires.
    • Decreased biodiversity.
    • Soil erosion.
    • Decreased carbon stock.

Mangrove Forest Ecosystem in Waikambas

Waikambas National Park features a mangrove forest ecosystem with:

  • Bruguera species: Have knee roots that grow above the ground surface, then re-enter the ground, creating a knee-like shape.
  • Rhizoboras species: Have stilt roots that grow from the stem and penetrate the soil.

Functions of Mangrove Forests

Mangrove forests serve to:

  • Protect land from abrasion.
  • Prevent seawater intrusion.
  • Provide habitat for animals, especially birds.
  • Offer high carbon storage.
  • Act as wave breakers, especially during tsunamis.

Roles of National Parks

National parks play several roles:

  1. Conservation of flora and fauna: Protecting species to ensure their sustainability.
  2. Education and research: Serving as field research stations for studying flora, fauna, and microorganisms.
  3. Earth life support system: Maintaining environmental balance between humans and animals, and preventing environmental damage and disasters.
  4. Tourism: Educating visitors through natural attractions.