Asia-Pacific / Program The In the Heart of the Triangle

The Raja Ampat or “Four Kings” archipelago encompasses around 4 million hectares of land and sea off the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s West Province. Located in the , the heart of the world’s biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat possibly hold the richest variety of species in the world. Raja Ampat includes the four large islands of , , Salawati, and , plus hundreds of smaller islands. The area’s massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant to threats like and dis- ease—threats that now jeopardize the survival of around the Bird’s eye view of the karst islands in Misool, Raja Ampat ©Jez O’Hare world. In addition, Raja Ampat’s strong ocean currents sweep coral vancy (TNC) and its partners con- contain unique species of sponge or larvae across the Indian and Pacific ducted a scientific survey of marine stingless jellyfish. Oceans to replenish other reef eco- ecosystems and coastal forests in the Raja Ampat is also an important systems. Raja Ampat’s coral diversity, Raja Ampat Islands to document the area for large marine fauna including resilience to threats, and ability to re- rich biodiversity in the region. More nesting and foraging populations of plenish reefs make it a global priority recent surveys have confirmed 574 green and hawksbill turtles. A total of for marine protection. The archi- species of corals in Raja Ampat —an 17 species of marine mammals includ- pelago is part of an area known as the incredible 75% of all known coral ing 9 whale species, 7 dolphin species Bird’s Head Seascape, which also species. In addition there are 1427 and have been recorded indi- contains Cendrawasih Bay, the sec- reef fish species in the region includ- cating that Raja Ampat is likely to be ond largest marine national park in ing endemics found nowhere else on an important migratory pathway, feed- Indonesia, and Jamursba-Medi, this planet. One of the drivers of this ing and/or breeding ground for these housing some of the most important extraordinary biodiversity is the high species. sea turtle nesting beaches in the diversity of habitats ranging from Though human impacts here are world. shallow reef habitats which includes less severe than elsewhere in Indone- fringing, barrier, patch and reefs sia, Raja Ampat’s natural resources are Surveys Confirm Highest Ma- to deep channels between the main threatened by overfishing and destruc- rine Biodiversity on Earth islands. At least 45 marine lakes have tive fishing, poor coastal development, In 2002, The Nature Conser- been discovered in the region, that unsustainable logging, and mining. Ensuring Conservation through Partnerships TNC is working in close partner- ship with the government, commu- nities, NGOs and the private sector to protect Raja Ampat’s magnificent reefs while sustaining the livelihoods of local people. In collaboration with CI, TNC is working closely with the Raja Ampat government to develop an innovative governance body and system to manage the MPA network. The Public Services Management Board (BLUD) is the first being de- veloped for MPA networks in Indo- nesia, and will allow for highly

©The Nature Conservancy trained professionals, including from NGOs and the private sector, to par- Supporting Policies for Sus- within the region. We are now sup- ticipate in management as well as al- tainable Resource-Use Man- porting the preparation of legislation low for funding from both govern- agement to add legal strength to this declara- ment and non-government sources. TNC, working in collaboration tion. The success of the MPAs will ul- with Conservation International In- Through surveys and monitoring timately be dependent upon the donesia (CI), supported the Re- of reef health, fish populations and level of ownership and capacity gency Government and the people patterns of resource use as well as ex- within the local MPA managers and of Raja Ampat establish six new ma- tensive outreach and education ac- regency, provincial and national gov- rine protected areas (MPAs) tivities, TNC provides technical in- ernment agencies responsible for launched in 2006, making it the first put towards designing zoning sys- managing the MPA network. To ad- Indonesian regency to declare an tems and management plans for dress this issue, a comprehensive MPA network. MPAs, if designed Kofiau and Southeast Misool MPAs three-year MPA managers’ capacity correctly can provide long-term pro- that would allow local communities building program was launched by tection of biodiversity, sustain fisher- to benefit from their marine re- TNC, CI and WWF-Indonesia in ies and ensure long term food and sources while ensuring that fish collaboration with the US National livelihood security for local commu- stocks are able to replenish in no- Oceanic and Atmospheric nities. TNC and partners are cur- take areas. Administration’s (NOAA). This rently providing technical assistance The Raja Ampat Government program will be linked to a larger na- to the Government on planning and has also issued a decree for a joint pa- tional capacity building program and the management of the MPA net- trolling system that involves cross- the development of training centers work. sectoral divisions of the Govern- across Indonesia, and includes a TNC and partners are also sup- ment, law enforcers and communi- comprehensice ‘trainer of trainers’ porting the development of policies ties. TNC is supporting this initia- program. and legislation for areas outside tive by providing a wooden boat that MPAs and regency and provincial- serves as a Floating Patrol Station for wide spatial planning, to ensure Kofiau and Southeast Misool MPAs natural resources are not degraded to protect the area from illegal ma- contact information and are wisely managed. Working rine activities including destructive The Nature Conservancy with partners, the Raja Ampat gov- fishing practices. TNC is also sup- Indonesia Marine Program ernment was the first regency in porting local patrols in the MPAs, Jalan Pengembak No. 2 2010 to declare its waters a shark encouraging and empowering com- Sanur, 80228 Indonesia sanctuary, prohibiting the harvesting munities to proactively manage their tel +62.361.287.272 fax +62.361.270.737 of sharks, rays, dugong and turtles marine resources. nature.org