25 January 2014| last updated at 10:54PM

Pulau Payar marine park in Kedah is one of these designated islands. Located 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi island and 15 nautical miles west of Kuala Kedah, the island has been protected from overdevelopment and this can be seen from the condition of the coral reefs there.

I recently had the opportunity to be part of a scuba-diving excursion there.

The island is under the jurisdiction of the Langkawi Development Authority while the marine park is managed by the Marine Parks Department.

I observed that while the local authorities have done a commendable job in preserving the natural ecology of the island and the surrounding marine life despite limited funding, manpower and coping with the increasing number of tourists, I believe more can be done.

First, there must be renewed efforts to promote awareness among the locals, especially the younger generation, on the importance of marine ecology.

Programmes being carried out must be on managing sustainability of the island and engaging in activities to that effect.

These programmes must also be able to reach the target masses.

Through scuba-diving, one can experience hands-on the beauty of the marine ecology and understand the need to preserve it.

Nothing is more educational than being underwater and witnessing the splendour of the submerged world.

See the original post:

MARINE PARKS: Tap Pulau Payar's vast potential