The west Papua province is an area that has the widest tropical forest in Indonesia. Some sources are even stating that it is the largest in the world as well.
Not long ago the Head of the Regional Research and Development Agency (Balitbangda) of that Province, Charlie Heatubun, said About the area of tropical forest there.
He said that it reached 9,730,550 hectares, or 90 percent of the area of the province. It is because the area there are about 143,076 kilometers. West Papua is becoming the new champion as an area which has the widest tropical rain forest. That forest is also well-kept.
The Governor of West Papua attended a seminar in Norway. At the event, the governor explained the availability of forests and the concept of sustainable development is being implemented.
The governor on that occasion, he continued, expressed the commitment of local governments and indigenous peoples to maintain and utilize forests sustainably.
Papua is Highlighted by the Neighbor Countries
From those seminar activities in Norway, West Papua is now in the spotlight of friendly countries. This is a good start to the success of conference activities.
That is as well as the implementation of sustainable development in West Papua. There will be a lot of cooperation with a number of countries and overseas donor agencies.
This cooperation is directed at optimizing the management of natural resource potential through the concept of sustainable development. It is important to save the earth.
The Forests in this Province are divided into several regions. Those are the the Protected forests (about 1.6 million hectares), conservation forests (about 1.7 million hectares), Other allotment areas (about 342 thousand hectares), and production forests (about 6.03 million hectares).
Their existence must be kept since the good environment will be beneficial for the human. That needs a good cooperation between so many parties.
Various Nature Attractions in the West Papua
Not only tropical forest areas, one of the places that became the spotlight for the tourism sector There is Raja Ampat Regency. This place is famous for its marine tourism.
Its underwater panorama is alleged to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Based on a source, coral reefs in raja ampat waters are considered as the most complete in the world. Because of the 537 types of coral in the world, 75 percent are in these waters.
Besides that destination, there are still some other potentials that this province has. Here are some of them.
- Teluk Cenderawasih National Park
This place is quite famous among lovers of diving activities. Like not inferior to the predicate of tropical forests, this marine national park is the largest in Indonesia.
The area is 89.8 percent of the territory of ocean waters. There are about 209 species of fish that inhabit this place.
In addition, there are four types of turtles that often land in this national park. Those are the hawksbill, green turtles, lekang, and leatherback turtles.
- Wondama Bay
If you do not want to go far from the city center of the west Papua, Gunung Meja Natural Tourism Park (TWA) located in downtown Manokwari is ready to pamper nature lovers.
There are hundreds types of trees, shrubs, shrubs, lianas, nails, and herbal plants there. Several types of orchids, palms, and rattan also live here.
This place has the functions for natural tourism, protection of life support systems and preservation of the diversity of plant species, animals and the uniqueness of nature.
Visiting there will bring a brand new experience and soothing the mind. It looks so natural, green, and the fresh air there is another plus point to enjoy.
Non – Timber Product as a Promising Potential
The West Papua Provincial Government encourages the export of non-timber forest products to open business opportunities for indigenous peoples. What is the aim?
This is a commitment to continue to maintain forests that are appreciated by many countries. Mr. Governor (Dominggu Mandacan) received the award as a global conservation hero or Global Conservation Hero given by Conservation International (CI).
This concept of sustainable development in the area is beneficial while maintaining forests and seas. Without forgetting the welfare of indigenous peoples as owners of ulayat rights.
A number of non-timber commodities that are being developed in that province today include masohi wood and agarwood. This plant has been developed almost in all areas there.
The people there itself are considered quite ready to welcome the global market. Some investors are also ready to enter investing in that province in Indonesia.
Based on the data given, later in September they will come to check the location. In addition to non-timber forest products, the Provincial Government has also started the development of coffee, cocoa and vanilla.
These three plantation commodities are also prepared to seize opportunities in the global market. At the end, it will support the West Papua economy really well.
