The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has officially proposed the Raja Ampat Islands Marine Protected Area as a world biosphere reserve. The proposal was submitted to the International Organisation for Education, Science and Culture or UNESCO through the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme.
BRIN researcher Maman Turjaman said the proposal is to support environmental conservation while improving the welfare of local communities through sustainable development. Therefore, the management of the Raja Ampat Islands Marine Protected Area will involve many stakeholders, including local indigenous communities.
“Raja Ampat’s waters are known as one of the most unique marine biodiversity centres in the world. The success of its management as a biosphere reserve depends on the synergy of all parties,” said Mr Maman, who is also Chairman of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB)-UNESCO National Committee in a written statement, Thursday (26/9/2024).
He explained that the process of proposing the Raja Ampat Islands Marine Protected Area as a world biosphere reserve began last year. Various public consultations and socialisation were held to strengthen the proposal document to UNESCO.
“Determination of biosphere reserve status will not change local authority. The management is still based on local wisdom. Local communities can participate through environmentally friendly tourism management and sustainable fisheries,” he said.
If designated a world biosphere reserve, the Raja Ampat Islands Marine Protected Area will also become an international research centre for marine biodiversity and climate change. Maman is optimistic that UNESCO will approve BRIN’s proposal.
“I hope the biosphere reserve will be inaugurated during the MAB-UNESCO annual meeting in Hangzhou, China in 2025. If successful, Raja Ampat will be the first biosphere reserve in Papua, which combines the concepts of environmental conservation and community welfare,” said Maman.
He continued that the Raja Ampat biosphere reserve management concept can be an example of best practices in environmental management through the approach of local wisdom and sustainable development goals in eastern Indonesia. Such best practices can even serve as examples for the global community.
BRIN usulkan Raja Ampat jadi cagar biosfer dunia
West Papua Now 