In an effort to preserve global biodiversity, Indonesia, through the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), has officially proposed the Raja Ampat region as a candidate for the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) UNESCO program. The official proposal was presented during a public consultation and outreach forum held in Wasai, Raja Ampat, on September 24, 2024.
Maman Turjaman, Senior Researcher at BRIN and Chair of the MAB-UNESCO National Committee of Indonesia, stated that the primary goal of this proposal is to achieve a balance between nature conservation and community development, contributing to sustainable development in the region.
According to Maman Turjaman, Raja Ampat is home to one of the world's most extraordinary marine biodiversity. If designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the management of this area would involve strong collaboration among the government, indigenous communities, businesses, civil society organizations, and experts.
Maman emphasized that obtaining Biosphere Reserve status would not alter local authority but would strengthen cooperation in preserving ecosystems and ensuring economic and social stability. Management will prioritize local wisdom with the support of the regional government and indigenous communities.
The submission process began last year, involving community discussions and opening opportunities for improved livelihoods through sustainable tourism and fisheries. In addition to protecting nature, this status will also enhance welfare through eco-friendly tourism and sustainable fisheries management.
This designation will also position Raja Ampat as an international research center for biodiversity and climate change and serve as a global model for conservation. It is hoped that Raja Ampat will be officially designated as the first Biosphere Reserve in Papua in 2025 at the MAB-UNESCO meeting in Hangzhou, China.
Mapping Indonesia's UNESCO Biosphere Reserves
Indonesia has 20 UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserves out of a global total of 748, spread across 134 countries. These biosphere reserves play a crucial role in protecting tropical forests with high biodiversity and serve as globally recognized centers for environmental management.
Each biosphere reserve is subject to periodic reviews every 10 years to ensure effective management. This year, seven of Indonesia’s biosphere reserves, including Leuser, Bromo Tengger-Semeru, and Komodo, must submit the results of their reviews.
With a significant number of biosphere reserves, Indonesia is a leader in the conservation of tropical forest ecosystems. Biosphere reserves serve as living laboratories where environmental research and resource management align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), balancing ecological, economic, and social interests.
