THE RAJA AMPAT
The Raja Ampat, or “Four Kings,”
archipelago encompasses more than 9.8 million acres of land and sea off the
northwestern tip of Indonesia’s West Papua Province. Located in the Coral
Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas around
Raja Ampat possibly hold the richest variety of species in the world. The area’s
massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant to threats like coral
bleaching and disease threats that now jeopardize the survival of corals around
the world. In addition, Raja Ampat’s strong ocean currents sweep coral larvae
across the Indian and Pacific Oceans to replenish other reef ecosystems. Raja
Ampat’s coral diversity, resilience to threats, and ability to replenish reefs
make it a global priority for marine protection.
Survey Confirms Highest
Marine Biodiversity on Earth
In 2002, The Nature Conservancy and its
partners conducted a scientific survey of the Raja Ampat Islands to collect
information on its marine ecosystems, mangroves, and forests. The survey
brought Raja Ampat’s total number of confirmed corals to 537 species incredible, 75% of all
known coral species. In addition, 899 fish species were recorded, raising the
known total for Raja Ampat to an amazing 1074. On land, the survey found lush
forests, rare plants, limestone outcroppings, and nesting beachesfor thousands
of sea turtles. Though human impacts here are less severe than elsewhere in
Indonesia, Raja Ampat’s natural resources are endangered by over fishing and
destructive fishing, turtle poaching, and unsustainable logging. The Indonesian
government recently established Raja Ampat as a separate administrative unit,
which will give communities a greater say in managing the natural resources
upon which their livelihoods depend. This structure also offers an important
opportunity to include conservation in the spatial planning of the newly formed
local government.