The global epicentre of marine biodiversity and the world’s first Conservation Province. The Bird’s Head Seascape (BHS), is possibly one of the world’s most compelling conservation stories.
The pristine waters of West Papua, Indonesia are home to more than 1,711 species of reef fish, over 70% of the world’s coral species and 17 species of whales and dolphins. Not only that, the BHS is home to more than 70 species of reef fishes, corals and crustaceans found nowhere else on the planet, leading reef scientists to call it a “cauldron of evolution” and a “species factory.”[1] There are more marine species found in the BHS than in any other place its size on the planet!!!
Covering an area of 22.5 millions of hectares, (about the size of Great Britain, just to give you an idea) with 2,500 islands and reefs, it also hosts the world's largest turtle nesting beaches for the critically endangered Pacific leatherback turtle.
But it has not always been like that, not long ago this area was almost destroyed by commercial fishing, poaching and dynamite fishing. It took a great deal of effort, commitment and mostly collaboration to protect this marine sanctuary.
Over 12 years ago, an unprecedented coalition of leading conservation organisations, the government of Indonesia, the local communities and NGOs began what has become one of the most ambitious and effective marine conservation programs in the world. Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, and WWF launched the Bird’s Head Seascape Initiative in 2004, in recognition of the extraordinary value of the marine ecosystems surrounding Indonesia’s West Papua Province.
The coalition supports the establishment and long-term sustainability of a network of over 20 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) that are co-managed by communities and government. The network supports the ocean as well as the local communities, sustainable local fisheries and marine eco-tourism. Within the BHS MPAs, 20-30% of all critical habitats are fully protected in No-Take reserves, to serve as fish replenishment zones.
The most incredible part is that these No-Take reserves allow the ocean to recover itself!!! With the highest level of protection, a no-take MPA, can expect a dramatic and rapid rebound. Recent studies recorded average increases of 446% in biomass, 166% in the density of organisms, 28% in the size of individual organisms, and 21% in species diversity.[2] Further, strongly protected MPAs have also demonstrated resistance to climate change.[3] This is particularly important for the local coastal communities since 40% live in poverty and are highly dependent on natural resources for survival.
The benefits of well-established Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are clear. Currently only 5% of the ocean is protected and many scientists are indicating that achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of 10% by 2020 could be out of reach unless greater attention is placed on protection.
But what can be done to support a healthier ocean?? For once, support the long-term sustainability of already established MPAs, learn more about where your food comes from and be a responsible tourist…
[1] Conservation International
[2] Biological Effects Within No-Take Marine Reserves: A Global Synthesis Marine Ecology-progress Series - MAR ECOL-PROGR SER. 384. 33-46. 10.3354/meps08029.
[3] Marine reserves help coastal ecosystems cope with extreme weather, Glob Change Biol, 20: 3050-3058. doi:10.1111/gcb.12606
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