Jakarta (Greeners) – Celebrating 16th Anniversary of West Papua province, its administration declared itself as Conservation Province, on Monday (19/10).
The declaration was an initiative of West Papua Governor Abraham Octavianus Atururi aimed to protect and manage its natural resources sustainably as the foundation for development and welfare of its people.
On his official statement, Abraham said that West Papua declaration is the first of its kind in Indonesia, even the world. Hence, it will become the basis for establishing a more wise and sustainable development planning in the province.
“Currently, Working Group of Conservation Province is setting up Special Regional Regulation (RANPERDASUS) as a legal basis to implement the initiative,” said Abraham, in Jakarta, on Tuesday (20/10).
Furthermore, Benja Victor Mambai, Papua Program Director of WWF Indonesia, welcomed and supported the declaration.
“We are hoping that this is the stand point for West Papua to push forward conservation efforts and sustainable development of West Papua province,” said Benja.
WWF, added Benja, has been working in the province to protect leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and whale shark (Rhincodon typus), to monitor and manage resources based on local wisdom, environmental education, and policy advocacy in district and province levels related to Spatial Planning or RTRW and Strategic Environmental Assessment or KLHS.
“In West Papua, WWF – Indonesia Papua Program is located in Wondama Bay district, which is a part of Cendrawasih Bay National Park and Abun of Tambrauw district. West Papua province area covers Bird’s Head Landscape which is rich in marine biodiversity and 90 percent of West Papua is natural forest area,” he said.
Report by Danny Kosasih
21 Apr 2024 
