GSIF09 Master Class 1

Thursday, 1 October

• Peter Ng • Enki Tan • S Robson Walton

Facilitated by • Mark Erdmann

Conservation International (CI)’s marine conservation projects in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, have benefited both the locals and the marine life thereof. The discovery of the Kalabia (walking shark) draws new insights to marine conservation. The main aim is to reduce illegal poaching of the marine life, including mine-fishing and hunting of turtles. The large success of the projects was seen from voluntary stepping out of locals in educating poachers in order to sustain the biodiversity.
One approach is through scientific characterization of the seascape of which marine taxonomist named new species of fish after local leaders and institutions to generate local pride and political support. An example is the Chronis Unipa named after Universitas Negeri Papua. It was the first attempt to do this on the large scale through the Blue Auction which auctions the right to name new species with proceeds dedicated to conservation.
The floating ranger station Monaco is purchased and refit and the locals are patrolling actively in remote and uninhabited areas in Raja Ampat. Floating education tours around Raja Ampat to visit 103 far-flung villages, spending three to four days in each village to educate and provide healthcare as a roving medical clinic.
Marine tourism development to support local communities:

- Raja Ampat Entrance fee tag system (generating over 200k/yr) supports healthcare for pregnant and nursing mothers;

- Publication of Raja Ampat Guide to promote tourism, encourage positive interactions with villagers and spread diving pressure; and

- Collaboration with dive resorts to increase job opportunities for local villagers in their operations.

Decentralized authority funding which supports physical infrastructure, such as redundant ring roads around small islands and airports, causes land threats which are harmful to biodiversity.
Mr Seligmann, Chairman of CI, commented that this was an incredible success, way more successful than how you have dreamt it would be.
Mr Ng raised the concern that professionals, such as zoologists, marine biologists and botanists, are in shortage. This means that fewer people aware of endangering or discovery of new species.
Mr Walton questioned how the new influx of population in Raja Ampat affects the village. This raises a major concern regarding Raja Ampat becoming a province of its own, an event in which numerous incentives, such as government-funding, can occur.