Berau, Indonesia Establishes a New Marine Protected Area
February 2, 2006
Berau, Indonesia
© Mark Godfrey/The Nature Conservancy
With assistance from The Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the government of Berau, Indonesia, has established a 1.2 million hectare marine protected area (MPA) to protect an area with the highest level of coral biodiversity in the world.
The MPA will encompass the Derawan Archipelago, which is an integral part of the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion that stretches across Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. The region lies in the center of the Coral Triangle and represents the highest levels of coral biodiversity in the world. Its reefs and related coastal livelihoods are critically endangered from destructive and unsustainable fishing practices. These islands also support the largest green turtle nesting and feeding ground in the Southeast Asia region.
The District Government and the House of Representatives of Bereau recognized the need to protect and manage the marine resources of the region, providing an example of a protected area that is supported by local people. Successful conservation of this region will benefit many stakeholders as well as the marine ecosystems in both the short and long-term.
Zoning of the protected area will focus on considering community and economic development needs, such as:
- Ensuring sustainable traditional fisheries;
- Patrolling and law enforcement against illegal and destructive activities;
- Development of alternative livelihoods;
- Sustainable financing for MPA management; and
- Creating strong legal foundations for marine conservation.
With the establishment of an MPA, regulations that protect the interest of local fishers can be enacted, including regulating fishing tools used in the area and catch fees.
In meetings with community members in more than 25 coastal villages, fishers said they agree with the need for sustainable management of marine resources and welcome the initiative to establish this MPA. They stressed that they must be informed and allowed to give input to the placement and size of zoning areas.
The Nature Conservancy,
WWF and a
USAID-funded local partner, Proyek Pesisir, are helping to reduce the threats caused by illegal and destructive fishing practices in the region by enhancing the ability of local governments and communities to manage the area better, enforcing existing Indonesian laws, and by raising awareness about the importance of protecting the area from destruction and non-sustainable practices for long-term benefits to local communities.
For More Information:
- Where We Work: The Nature Conservancy in Indonesia
Although Indonesia covers only 1.3% of Earth’s land surface, this island nation is home to about 17% of Earth's plant and animal species.
- Places We Protect: Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are among the oldest and most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth. While they are places of both great natural beauty and ecological importance, coral reefs also provide enormous economic services.
- How We Work: Global Marine Initiative
The Global Marine Initiative links innovative land and sea conservation strategies to improve survival of our coasts and oceans now and for future generations.
- How We Work: Transforming Coral Reef Conservation
The Nature Conservancy, working with a wide range of partners, has established a worldwide program to transform the way marine protected areas (MPAs) are established, designed, managed and financed for the benefit of coral reefs, and for the people who depend upon them.
- How You Can Help: Rescue the Reef®
Coral reefs are not just precious underwater jewels to admire for their beauty — they're also a refuge for a quarter of the marine species and rich storehouses of biodiversity.
- Archive of our Saves of the Week and Success Stories
Read more about The Nature Conservancy's work to save the last great places on Earth.
