Malaysian International Dive Expo
Posted on 07 July 2008
© WWF Malaysia/Eric Madeja
Tourism operators must be involved in protecting coral reefs which are important habitats for marine life and attract divers from all over the world
The third installment of the Malaysian International Dive Expo (MIDE) was held at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur from 4-6 July 2008. The focus of MIDE 2008 was to gather visitors to learn about the dive industry; creating interests through the exchange of ideas, and packaging of products and services.
WWF-Malaysia participated for the first time by setting up an exhibition to enhance knowledge on the environmental issues of the marine world. A talk by Daniel Doughty was given which focused on managing coral reefs with tourism and fisheries. He emphasized the importance of collaborative management of local dive operators with other stakeholders including government agencies and the fishing community, needed to ensure the continuous survival of marine ecosystems. A talk was also presented by WWF-Malaysia’s Marine Coordinator, Ken Kassem, on Climate Change, Marine Protected Areas and Tourism in the Coral Triangle.