Komodo is one of the world's largest lizards, growing up to 3 meters long, with serrated teeth, a yellow forked tongue, powerful limbs and a long tail. According to government data, Indonesia is home to about 3,100 Komodo dragons, with Komodo National Park being the most popular tourist destination, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Last month, UNESCO officials told a World Heritage Committee workshop that tourism projects in Komodo National Park needed a new environmental impact assessment, citing concerns about illegal fishing and potential harm to the Komodo dragon’s natural habitat. However, they received no response.
Rima Melani Bilaut of the Indonesian Environmental Forum also agreed that the project would have an impact on the people as well as the dragons here: "We propose that the state develop tourism based on human factors."
However, Inung Wiratno, a senior official at Indonesia's Ministry of Environment, insisted: "The project will continue. It has been proven that there are no negative impacts." He said a new assessment was being drafted and could be sent to UNESCO in September. Wiratno added that the project was mainly to renovate existing structures and would not endanger the rare Komodo dragons.
Indonesia is trying to replicate the famous Bali tourism model in 10 locations in the country, including Komodo National Park. In 2020, authorities had set a target of attracting 50,000 tourists to the dragon's habitat.
