RAJA
AMPAT ISLANDS
WEST
PAPUA INDONESIA
The Raja Ampat, or “Four Kings,”
archipelago encompasses more than 9.8 million acres 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 possibly hold the richest
variety of species in the world.
The Raja Ampat, or “Four Kings,” archipelago encompasses more than
9.8 million acres 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 possibly hold the richest variety of species in the world.
The area’s massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant
to threats like coral bleaching and disease —threats that now
jeopardize the survival of corals around the world. In addition,
Raja Ampat’s strong ocean currents sweep coral larvae across the
Indian and Pacific Oceans to replenish other reef ecosystems. Raja
Ampat’s coral diversity, resilience to threats, and ability to
replenish reefs make it a global priority for marine protection.
Survey Confirms Highest Marine Biodiversity
on Earth
In 2002, The Nature Conservancy and its partners conducted a
scientific survey of the Raja Ampat Islands to collect information
on its marine ecosystems, mangroves, and forests. The survey brought
Raja Ampat’s total number of confirmed corals to 537 species— an
incredible 75% of all known coral species. In addition, 899 fish
species were recorded, raising the known total for Raja Ampat to an
amazing 1,074. On land, the survey found lush forests, rare plants,
limestone outcroppings, and nesting beachesfor thousands of sea
turtles.
Though human impacts here are less severe than elsewhere in
Indonesia, Raja Ampat’s natural resources are endangered by over
fishing and destructive fishing, turtle poaching, and unsustainable
logging. The Indonesian government recently established Raja Ampat
as a separate administrative unit, which will give communities a
greater say in managing the natural resources upon which their
livelihoods depend. This structure also offers an important
opportunity to include conservation in the spatial planning of the
newly formed local government.
Ensuring Conservation through Partnerships
To address these issues, the Conservancy launched a new project to
protect Raja Ampat, working in close partnership with the government
and communities to: 1) contribute to a comprehensive conservation
action plan to protect Raja Ampat’s reefs and forests; 2) help
incorporate marine protected area management into long-term planning
and policy; and, 3) establish a network of marine protected areas
for Raja Ampat.
The Conservancy’s ultimate goal is to
protect Raja Ampat’s magnificent reefs while sustaining the
livelihoods of local people. Raja Ampat includes the four large
islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, plus hundreds of
smaller islands. The archipelago is part of an area known as the
Bird’s Head functional seascape, which also contains Cenderawasih
Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia.
Come and dive in Raja Ampat Islands
with Our Liveaboards
Source:
www.rajaampat.org
www.raja4-papua.com
|
