Raja Ampat is probably the most famous diving spot in Indonesia. It has the richest marine ecosystem, and the local authorities intend to maintain it. Numerous rules are applied in the area intended to preserve the underwater ecosystem. Strict regulations are made, and sanctions and punishment are given to those who disobey.
The hard work of the Raja Ampat local authority is paid off. In 2022, Raja Ampat won Blue Park Award. This award is the international recognition of the ongoing conservation in Raja Ampat Islands.
Underwater Magic of Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat Islands is well-known for its underwater view. Located at the northwest tip of Papua, it is right at the Bird’s Head Peninsula. Raja Ampat consists of thousands of small islands, and its main area is its four largest islands. They are called Batanta, Misool, Salawati, and Waigeo.
Raja Ampat Marine Park offers an extraordinary underwater experience for divers. Above the sea, it has a scenic view like no other, and under the sea, it is beyond beautiful.
Raja Ampat covers a large area of 9,8 million acres consisting of land and sea. More than 600 varieties of corals, 75% of the world’s total corals species, live in Raja Ampat. Living in its corals are more than 1,000 species of coralfish and another 700 species of mollusks. Such rich biodiversity makes Raja Ampat as the living library of coral reefs.
Other than corals, fishes, and mollusks, several endangered sea mammals also make Raja Ampat the last paradise they call home. it is not a rare sight to find dolphins, certain species of whales (pygmy blue, sperm, or omura), dugongs, or orcas swimming by the area.
Leatherback, olive ridley, and hawksbill turtles are habitants of Raja Ampat. Especially after the local authorities began turtle conservation initiatives a few years ago. The locals protect turtle eggs, relocate them to safe hatching facilities and release the hatchlings into the sea.
Conservation Initiatives in Raja Ampat
Fortunately, the locals in Raja Ampat fully comprehend how important it is to protect and preserve the richness of its marine biodiversity. While Raja Ampat Marine Recreation Park was established in 2009, the locals started their initiatives long before that.
Most of the villagers around Raja Ampat are fishermen. The locals protect the coral colonies in the area by applying strict rules for them.
Local authorities prohibit anyone from catching, injuring, and killing protected animals from Raja Ampat. In fact, the rule also includes keeping, caring for, and transporting them. There are strict rules for Raja Ampat spearfishing for the locals only. The restrictions also apply to other fishing methods, such as bagan fishing, sero, fishing while scuba diving, and installing nets and traps.
Raja Ampat has a long list of forbidden fishing methods. It includes using a trawler, longline, explosive or bomb, cyanide, and compressor. In fact, Raja Ampat does not allow speedboats, jetskis, and other motorized boats due to the risk of damaging the corals.
Before coming to Raja Ampat, the authorities ensure visitors are aware of the rules and regulations. Tourism may bring harm to Raja Ampat’s richness in marine biodiversity. If you are planning to visit Raja Ampat, learn the rules.
The commitment and initiatives from the locals in Raja Ampat have paid off. Winning the Blue Park Award shows acknowledgment from marine experts.
The international council at Marine Conservation Institute announced last year that Raja Ampat won Blue Park Award. A council consisting of marine conservation experts uses science-based standards for conservation effectiveness to decide. The local initiatives align with the criteria held by the council. Let’s continue to support conservation efforts!
