With Misool being a part of an area which has the richest marine biodiversity on the planet, there is a lot at stake to protect and conserve! Since the Raja Ampat archipelago has received attention both in nature tourism and research, multiple attempts have been made to protect the essential ecology and biodiversity. Here’s a glimpse into the diverse projects contributing to the region’s conservation.
Raja Ampat Marine Protected Areas
The preservation of marine life in Raja Ampat stands as a top priority for the people and the government, both nationally and provincially. Recognizing the unparalleled natural wealth unique to this region, joint efforts between governmental bodies and local communities, in collaboration with organizations such as Conservation International (CI), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the Worldwide Fund For Nature (WWF), have led to the establishment of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These MPAs, governed by both central and provincial authorities, were initiated in 2004, with the most recent being established in 2019. Encompassing a vast area of 2,000,000 hectares, these MPAs incorporate diverse usage zones regulating permitted and prohibited activities within their boundaries.
Misool area has two MPAs, the Misool Islands MPA and The North Misool Marine Protected Area
The Misool Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA) As the largest and southernmost Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Raja Ampat, the Misool Islands Marine Protected Area spans a substantial 346,189 hectares. This expansive region covers a group of limestone islands, forming the administrative divisions of East Misool District, South Misool, and West Misool within the Misool Islands area. This is the area where Millekul Adventures arrange the kayaking trips. https://rajaampatmarinepark.com/misool-islands-mpa/
The North Misool Marine Protected Area (MPA) was formally recognized following a joint declaration by the local community, in partnership with Yayasan Nazareth Papua and Conservation International (CI).
The collective initiative emerged from the shared vision of the Matbat and Matlou communities inhabiting nine local villages in North Misool. This collaborative declaration encompassed an agreement to designate 313,708 hectares of territorial waters as a protected area. In North Misool MPA a dugong identification program has been made in locations where dugongs are known to regularly search for food. This program has since evolved into a dedicated conservation initiative, including a dugong surveillance patrol.
Private ‘No-Take Zones’
The private initiative of ‘No-Take Zones’ in South Misool, initiated by Misool Eco Resort has resulted in a significant increase in marine biomass. This effort has not only benefited the designated zones but also positively impacted adjacent areas frequented during kayaking expeditions. The success of private ‘No-Take Zones’ is highlighted by Sir David Attenborough in “Our Planet”. Check out the last part of episode 4 – ”Coastal Seas” of the season 1 of ”Our Planet” year 2019 by Netflix (44th minute and later is about Misool).
On Our Planet’s website you can see a short video how the ‘No-Take Zones’ works in Misool https://www.ourplanet.com/en/video/recovery-in-raja-ampat/
Featuring Misool and the remarkable marine life flourishing under protection. This not only benefited the ecosystem but also the fishing activity. The positive result of this project is hoped to be a precedent for the future of nature tourism that is developing in Misool.
Misool Foundation initiated a community patrol program, collaborating with the Raja Ampat Marine Park Authority to safeguard the Misool Islands Marine Protected Areas against unsustainable practices. The foundation’s patrols operate from a base camp at the Misool Eco Resort, supported by three additional surveillance outposts spread across the Misool Islands. Employing radar and drone technology, the rangers conduct regular patrols and surveillance, actively deterring illegal and harmful fishing practices to preserve the area’s diverse and vital reefs.
Link to Misool Foundation: https://www.misoolfoundation.org/misool-marine-reserve/
Jellyfish Lake Research and Conservation
Conservation projects usually follow research projects, and this includes the very rare Jellyfish lakes in Misool. These jellyfish lakes are more than just beautiful, but they are also a living laboratory of biodiversity and evolution. There is currently a joint research project from universities abroad and in Indonesia to study and protect these miraculous habitats. These studies resulted in the precautions and code of conduct on how to observe and visit the jellyfish lakes with minimal impact on its life. Links to Misool jellyfish project:
Rock Art Research and Preservation
Beyond marine conservation, initiatives are also planned to preserve Misool’s civilization heritage: The Rock Arts. The protection of ancient rock paintings, reflecting the historical significance of the region in the history of human beings, since it is estimated that the paintings in Misool are at least 3000 to 5000 years old. In Indonesia there are many findings on Rock arts from Borneo, Sulawesi, to Papua, with varying ages. The rock arts that are found in Misool are relatively unique as it is hidden among small islands and islets rather than hidden in the mountains like the others in Indonesia.
Millekul Adventures Efforts to Participate in these Conservation Projects
Millekul Adventures are determined to participate in these conservation projects proportional to the scale of our abilities. As we have not the ability yet to create ‘No-Take Zones’, we are supporting the effort by informing as much as we can about it. As for Jellyfish research and conservation program, we have already started correspondence with the research team on how we can help in raising awareness about the proper and safe way to visit the jellyfish lakes, but also to help the researcher monitor the habitat periodically. Stay tuned to our blogs for updates on this!
Also, for the Rock Art research project, we also started the plan to help the researchers from Indonesian leading universities. Sadly, it was postponed since only months after we planned our project with them, the professor and leader of the project passed away. But we are looking for a way to proceed this, as one very important thing that the researchers were concluding is that visiting the ancient rock arts with motorized boats, like most of the tourist do, might be endangering the longevity of the rock arts by exposing it often to the fumes of the boat engines! So admiring the rock arts by kayak is the best way! We really hope we can proceed with this and, again, stay tuned to our blogs for updates on this.
