The Raja Ampat Islands in the Heart of the Coral Triangle

Asia-Pacific / Indonesia Program The Raja Ampat Islands In the Heart of the Coral 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 Papua Province. Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat hold the richest variety of coral species re- corded in the world. Raja Ampat in- cludes the four large islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, plus hundreds of smaller is- lands. The area’s massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resilient to threats like coral bleaching and dis- ease—threats that now jeopardize Bird’s eye view of the karst islands in Misool, Raja Ampat ©Jez O’Hare the survival of corals around the world. In addition, Raja Ampat’s strong ocean currents sweep coral vancy (TNC) and its partners con- are threatened by overfishing and larvae across the Indian and Pacific ducted a scientific survey of the Raja destructive fishing, turtle poaching, Oceans to replenish other reef eco- Ampat Islands to collect information and unsustainable logging. systems. Raja Ampat’s coral diversity, on its marine ecosystems, mangroves, resilience to threats, and ability to re- and forests. The survey brought Raja Ensuring Conservation through plenish reefs make it a global priority Ampat’s total number of confirmed Partnerships for marine protection. The archi- corals to 537 species—an incredible To address these issues, TNC is pelago is part of an area known as the 75% of all known coral species. In ad- working in close partnership with the Bird’s Head seascape, which also con- dition, 828 fish species were re- government, communities, non- tains Cendrawasih Bay, the largest corded, raising the known total for profits and the private sector by: 1) marine national park in Indonesia, Raja Ampat to an amazing 1,074. On contributing to the development of and Jamursba Medi, housing some of land, the survey found lush forests, a comprehensive conservation action the most important sea turtle nesting rare plants, limestone outcroppings, plan to protect Raja Ampat’s reefs beaches in the world. and nesting beaches for thousands of and forests; 2) helping incorporate sea turtles. marine protected area management Survey Confirms Highest Though human impacts here are into the regency’s long-term plan- Marine Biodiversity on Earth less severe than elsewhere in Indo- ning and policy; and, 3) supporting In 2002, The Nature Conser- nesia, Raja Ampat’s natural resources the establishment of a network of campaign survey shows promising re- sult; in Kofiau and SE Misool, the percentage of the local community that understands the link between healthy coral reefs and increased fish catch has increased significantly. Local communities in Kofiau and Misool have also established 10 small-scale village marine protected areas. The communities are reviving the practice of sasi – a traditional seasonal closure of marine areas to allow certain species to reproduce or grow. TNC is working with the In- donesia Locally-Managed Marine Meetings with local communities © M. Korebima, The Nature Conservancy Area Network in supporting the government develop local content for elementary school curricula that marine protected areas for Raja sectoral divisions of the government, incorporates marine conservation Ampat for the protection of law enforcers and communities. topics into natural science subjects. biodiversity and sustaining ecosystem TNC is supporting this initiative by CI and TNC are also running an goods and services. providing a wooden boat that serves Education under Sail marine conserva- as a Floating Patrolling Station for tion program using the 32-m Supporting Policies for Kofiau and Misool to protect the wooden boat, the Kalabia, that cir- Sustainable Resource-Use area from illegal marine activities cumnavigates the archipelago, bring- Management such as destructive fishing and turtle ing conservation education to over poaching. The Raja Ampat Regency Gov- 88 schools in Raja Ampat. This pro- TNC and partners are working ernment established six new marine gram offers experiential learning, closely with the Tourism and Fisher- protected areas (MPAs) in Decem- targeting elementary schoolchildren. ies Departments, and representatives ber 2006, making it the first Indone- Education modules include “field from live-aboard dive industry, local sian district to declare an MPA net- visits” to mangrove forests, coral non-government organizations and work. TNC and Conservation In- reefs teeming with life, and sea grass local communities to introduce a ternational (CI) are working beds where turtles and dugongs feed; tourism entrance fee system within collaboratively to support the gov- games like the Ecosystem Detective, and Raja Ampat. Funds raised are rein- ernment in the planning and man- Tantangan Teteruga or Challenges of vested into tourism development, agement of the MPA network by the Turtles. conservation and community health providing technical assistance, expert TNC’s ultimate goal is to protect projects in Raja Ampat. advice and education. Raja Ampat’s magnificent reefs while Through surveys and monitoring sustaining the livelihoods of local Reaching Out, Taking Conser- of reef health, fish populations and people. patterns of resource use, TNC pro- vation Action vides technical input towards design- In encouraging community par- ing a zoning system and management ticipation in conservation initiatives, plans for the Kofiau and South East TNC conducts various activities in- contact information (SE) Misool MPAs that would allow cluding a Pride Campaign in collabo- The Nature Conservancy local communities to benefit from ration with RARE. The campaign Coral Triangle Center their marine resources while ensur- has improved conservation awareness Jalan Pengembak No. 2 Sanur, Bali 80228 ing fish stocks are protected in no- among local communities through a Indonesia take areas. series of site-specific education pro- tel +62.361.287.272 fax +62.361.270.737 grams that are delivered to stake- [email protected] The Raja Ampat Government coraltrianglecenter.org has also issued a decree for a joint pa- holders by radio, puppet shows, pam- nature.org trolling system that involves cross- phlets, and local gatherings. A post-