19 Jun
2006 - Berau, Indonesia – Following a growing
trend to protect sensitive marine ecosystems,
Indonesia has announced plans to create a marine
protected area (MPA) over 1.2 million hectares
off the eastern coast of the Derawan Archipelago
in the Sulawesi Sea.
The archipelago is an integral
part of WWF’s Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion,
which contains some 450 species of coral and support
one of the world’s largest varieties of reef fish,
as well as commercial and community fisheries.
In recent years, however, overfishing and destructive
fishing methods, including the use of cyanide
and dynamite, have destroyed large sections of
coral and depleted fish populations.
“We are pleased to see the local
government recognize the need to protect and manage
the region’s marine resources of the region,”
said Dr Lida Pet Soede, director of WWF-Indonesia's
marine programme.
“Successful conservation of
this region will benefit many stakeholders as
well as the marine ecosystem.”
Community members of more than
25 coastal villages initiated the call to protect
their marine areas, following reports from local
fishermen that fish catches were decreasing and
revenues were being lost due to increased non-resident
fishing operations.
WWF and The Nature Conservancy
are currently working with the Berau District
and local communities in developing a zoning plan
that will include no-take zones, as well as traditional-use
zones where only small-scale traditional fishing
will be allowed. Other zones will be set up for
tourism, fishing and other recreational activities.
“With the establishment of an
MPA, regulations that protect the interest of
local fishermen can now be enacted,” added Pet
Soede. This includes regulating fishing gears
and fees based on catches.”
The two conservation organizations
are also helping to reduce the threats caused
by illegal and destructive fishing practices by
enhancing local government and community natural
resource management, improving law enforcement,
and raising awareness about the importance of
protecting the marine ecosystem for the benefit
of local communities.
In recognition of the MPA declaration,
WWF and The Nature Conservancy presented the heads
of Indonesia’s Berau District with a “Leaders
of a Living Planet” award.
Dr. Lida Pet Soede, Marine Programme
Director
