Island life can be difficult. Travel depends on boats, and rough seas can stop transportation. Protecting the ocean is also a challenge. Plastic pollution, climate change and too many loud boats can harm coral reefs and marine animals. Some tour operators focus more on making money from whale trips than on protecting the whales. When we turned off our boat engine, I realized how important quiet and respect are for these animals.
Communities in Timor-Leste are learning how to balance tourism and protection. Some areas are creating marine protected zones and setting rules about how close boats can get to whales and dolphins. Ethical tourism, which means caring for nature while visiting it, is becoming more important. Clear rules and responsible behavior can help protect the whales, dolphins and reefs so they remain part of this environment for many years to come.
