Community-Led Marine Protected Area

The Vision

West Papua Care is establishing a groundbreaking community-led Marine Protected Area in Misool, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, the heart of the Coral Triangle and the most biodiverse marine ecosystem on Earth. This 250 km² no-take zone covers the islands and archipelagos of Damu, Canpade, Balbulol, Sagof, Efpian, Kasiah, and surrounding waters, an area twice the size of Paris city.

Why Misool, Raja Ampat

Misool is a biodiversity hotspot within Raja Ampat, home to 75% of the world's coral species and over 1,600 fish species. Its fringing reefs, reef walls, atolls, off-shore reefs, caves and underwater rock formations host huge marine biodiversity including endemic and key species. It is an important spawning ground for corals and fishes.

The area faces serious threats from cyanide fishing, illegal fishers from as far as Sulawesi, sea turtle harvesting, shark finning, and past bomb fishing damage. With strong community consensus already secured and traditional leaders endorsing the project, we have a unique window of opportunity to protect this marine treasure before it's too late.

Project Goals

• Establish 250 km² no-take zone Marine Protected Area with 10km buffer zone
• Restore traditional governance systems (adat/sasi) for marine management
• Target 50% increase in fish biomass within 5 years based on regional MPA performance data
• Protect key species: Napoleon wrasse, Hawksbill and Green sea turtles, Bumphead Parrotfish, and shark species
• Create sustainable livelihoods through ecotourism and resource management
• Conduct GPS-marked scientific surveys of coral health and ecosystem dynamics
• IUCN Red List species identification and conservation status tracking
• Establish base camp operations on Cempedak Island with ranger patrols