Figure 1. Secretary-General of the Global Geopark Network (GGN), Mr. Guy Martini (left), along with his assistant, observing the geosite information of the atoll ring on the coast of Biluhu Timur Village, Batudaa Pantai District, Gorontalo Regency, on Saturday (8/7/2023). (Photo: Haris)
Secretary-General of the Global Geopark Network (GGN), Mr. Guy Martini, along with the team from the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), accompanied by the Regional Development Planning Agency (BAPPPEDA) of Gorontalo Province, visited several geopark locations. On the second day of the "advisory mission" visit, they started by observing the uniqueness of the whale shark biosite in Botubarani Village, Kabila Bone District, Bone Bolango Regency, on Saturday (8/7/2023).
The Secretary-General of GGN and the Bappenas team were impressed by the uniqueness of the whale sharks that are easily visible and only a few meters away from the shoreline. The identification of whale sharks on the coast of Botubarani has been conducted since 2016, and as of now, there are already 57 individuals identified.
"As an effort to protect the whale sharks, this location has been designated as a conservation area in Tomini Bay marine park. Additionally, we are also raising awareness among the community, and thankfully, it has been successful. One of the indicators is that fishermen are willing to tear their nets when whale sharks get caught in them," explained Hilman, a whale shark tourist destination manager during the dialogue with the Secretary-General of GGN and the Bappenas team.
Next, at the Geosite Dulanga Beach in Bongo Village, Batudaa Pantai District, Gorontalo Regency, the entourage witnessed the biodiversity, flora and fauna, and various cultural aspects of the community. The uniqueness of geodiversity at Dulanga Beach is the long stretch of reef limestone along the coast, reaching a height of approximately 250 meters. In the Dulanga Beach area, there are also plants with high commercial value, such as dracaena draco, which is beneficial for promoting breastfeeding and as a fever medicine.
Another uniqueness of Bongo Village is that it is known as a Religious Tourism Village called Bubohu. One of the cultural events that has become an annual tourist attraction is the walima or the tradition of celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This tradition involves continuous recitations and prayers throughout the night. The walima celebration concludes with the residents delivering kolombengi cakes to the mosque. Interestingly, these cakes are placed in tolangga, a container that resembles a mosque tower.
The next location visited by the entourage is the geosite in Biluhu Timur Village, Batudaa Pantai District, Gorontalo Regency. One of the uniquenesses of this geosite is the presence of a ring atoll. The ring atoll is a lagoon located at the edge of Biluhu Timur beach, with a depth of 20 to 23 meters. One of the functions of the ring atoll is to act as a wave breaker during a tsunami.
The second-day visit of the Secretary-General of GGN along with the Bappenas team concluded with an exploration of the Old Town in the Gorontalo City area. Scheduled for Sunday, July 9, 2023, the team will continue their visit to several geopark locations, including Olele Marine Park, Oluhuta geosite, and Lombongo.
Gallery
