Can ecotourism shield Raja Ampat, the ‘Crown Jewel’ of New Guinea?

The world’s most biodiverse marine setting, Raja Ampat in Indonesia, is commonly seen as a conservation success story.
With greater than 20,000 sq. kilometers (7,700 sq. miles) of marine protected areas, the archipelago is known for its government-supported conservation efforts, ecotourism, sapphire-blue waters, and gorgeous geography.
On this episode of Mongabay’s podcast, host Mike DiGirolamo travels to a number of islands within the space to talk with native communities about the advantages and challenges of ecotourism and to catch a glimpse of some superb endemic species.

Raja Ampat on the Chicken’s Head Peninsula of far northwestern New Guinea is commonly referred to as the “crown jewel” of the area. This equatorial archipelago accommodates in all probability the world’s biggest focus of marine biodiversity due partly to an enormous community of marine protected areas overlaying greater than 20,000 sq. kilometers (7,700 sq. miles).

On this episode of the Mongabay Newscast, documentary filmmaker Wahyu Mul particulars the advantages and challenges of ecotourism for the Raja Ampat district of Indonesian Papua.

Then, longtime resident and resort proprietor Max Ammer particulars the initiatives of his Raja Ampat Analysis and Conservation Centre, which trains and employs native communities in a wide range of abilities whereas aiding visiting international researchers with logistics and lodging.

Lastly, veteran birder Benny Mambrasar guides the Mongabay crew into the forest on Waigeo Island, the place two endemic species of birds-of-paradise make an look.

Hear right here:

Whereas the latest ecotourism growth is bringing new income streams to native communities, vigilance is required to protect its invaluable ecosystems and stop the displacement of Papuans, because the Indonesian central authorities pushes ahead a improvement plan that has break up the area into 5 new provinces, sources say.

Benny Mambrasar adjusts a telescope on an early morning viewing session to catch a glimpse of the crimson bird-of-paraside. Picture by Mike DiGirolamo/Mongabay.

For extra regional context, the Mongabay Explores podcast printed a seven-part series on the island of New Guinea’s conservation points, challenges and options in 2022. Take heed to the primary episode here.

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Banner picture: Karst limestone formations in Piaynemo, Raja Ampat, Indonesia. These geological options are estimated to be as much as 16.5 million years previous. Picture by Mike DiGirolamo/Mongabay.

Mike DiGirolamo is a number and affiliate producer for Mongabay based mostly in Sydney. He co-hosts and edits the Mongabay Newscast. Discover him on LinkedIn, Bluesky and Instagram.

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