The Conservation in West Papua has been protecting many rainforests and marine biodiversity since 2015. Thus, the province received the title of the “first conservation province” in Indonesia and the world, which was inaugurated in 2019.
Tropical rainforests are a significant source of nutrition and cultural inspiration for most local communities. Also, forests are essential for the global community as they are natural carbon sinks.
Another fact, West Papua contributed to more than 75% marine biodiversity of the total coral and fish population in the world.
This biodiversity variety deserves serious attention from the local and national governments because it offers the populace a source of income as a tourist destination. Thus, the intended conservation could help to preserve the culture and livelihood of West Papua’s people.
What is Conservation in West Papua?
West Papua’s Conservation functions to preserve and protect the province’s natural resources for the present and future generations.
The parties involved as conservators take long-term active action and commitment to ensure the continuation of such natural resources, landscapes, and wildlife living there. Since the Papuans depend a lot on nature, it is crucial to take a big step in maintaining this diversity of species and ecosystems.
For example, in the Raja Ampat region, there are more than 1,600 species of fish and 550 species of coral reefs. This abundant marine species has made the Raja Ampat region to be recognized as the world’s most considerable marine biodiversity.
However, this blessing could be a target of irresponsible actions such as illegal fishing and careless management of marine tourism.
Thus, rather than leaving nature as it is, it is better for the parties involved to maintain the balance of human activity and natural diversity. The conservation activities cover the treatment and preventive care to prevent a further loss of natural biodiversity.
How Can Conservation in West Papua Protect Marine Biodiversity?
The local government wants to ensure sustainable economic activity and development for the region. By doing this, they also wish to protect several marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Thus, they use the concept of the blue economy to keep a good balance between economic growth and ecosystem sustainability. Two primary goals from the government include acknowledging the human rights of local communities and encouraging the development of viable jobs.
The designated conservation areas in West Papua have a total of 4,53 million hectares. However, the government wishes to expand the conservation area of marine biodiversity to reach a total of 23,40 million hectares in 2024.
This means of protection, however, requires strict cooperation and synergy between the government and local communities to manage sustainable natural resources.
List of West Papua Conservation Areas
- Cagar Alam Pulau Waigeo Barat
- Cagar Alam Pulau Batanta Barat
- Cagar Alam Pulau Salawati Utara
- Cagar Alam Pengunungan Tamrau Utara
- Cagar Alam Pulau Misool Selatan
- Cagar Alam Pegunungan Wondiboy
- Cagar Alam Pulau Waigeo Timur
- Cagat Alam Waguta Kote
- Cagar Alam Pulau Kofiau
- Cagar Alam Teluk Bintuni
- Cagar Alam Pengunungan Tamrau Selatan
- Cagar Alam Pengunungan Fakfak
- Cagar Alam Pengunungan Kumawa
- Cagar Alam Pantai Sausafor
- Cagar Alam Pegunungan Arfak
- Cagar Alam Torobi
- Cagar Alam Laut Pulau Kofiau
- Suaka Margasatwa Sidei Wibain
- Suaka Margasatwa Mumbrani-Kaironi
- Suaka Margasatwa Laut Sabuda Tuturuga
- Suaka Margasatwa Pulau Venu
- Taman Wisata Alam Gunung Meja
- Taman Wisata Alam Sorong
- Taman Wisata Alam Beriat
- Taman Wisata Alam Klamono
Conservation in West Papua is a vital step to preserving many natural resources and protecting the inhabitants. This action is heavily needed to ensure livelihood for the current and future generations. Thus, the refinement of conservation regulations can foster the program’s success.