Imagine an island with shallow sparkling blue waters and sandy beaches, visited by critically endangered animals, musical with birdsong and remote from the bustle and noise of human habitation. Add colourful coral reefs and seven metre high mangrove trees to that picture and you’ll start to get an idea of the peace and beauty of Bu Tinah Island.
Bu Tinah’s thriving habitat and species form a unique living laboratory, with key significance for climate change research. An undisturbed but threatened paradise, Bu Tinah has much to teach mankind about environmental protection and survival. Its significant coral community and the health of its habitats and species despite its high temperature and salinity levels make the island of keen scientific interest.
Bu Tinah is host to critical marine habitats containing internationally important species, as well as other charismatic wildlife. Seabirds such as the flamingo and the osprey, diverse species of dolphins, and the critically endangered turtles including hawksbills and greens can all be found in and around Bu Tinah. The island’s waters are also home to the planet’s second-largest population of dugongs, a large marine mammal that is globally threatened.
Bu Tinah Island, rich in biodiversity, lies within the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve. The Biosphere reserve is the region’s first and largest UNESCO-designated marine biosphere reserve. Closed to visitors, fishing and the collection of turtle eggs are prohibited on Bu Tinah Island. Its continued survival and protection must be ensured.
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