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Photo caption Misool, Raja Ampat. © YKAN

Perspectives

The Bird’s Head Seascape

September 26, 2025

What is a Seascape? The term seascape was first introduced in 1790. Today, it is used to describe a marine area where multiple sectors operate, applying diverse management approaches and governance mechanisms that can be integrated and coordinated.

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The Bird’s Head Seascape in Papua stretches from Cenderawasih Bay in the east, across Raja Ampat in the west, to the coasts of Kaimana and Fak-Fak in the south. Covering more than 22.5 million hectares, it is home to the world’s richest marine biodiversity for an area of its size. Situated at the heart of the Coral Triangle, this region must be protected to ensure lasting benefits.

Misool, Raja Ampat Here, natural beauty meets a biodiversity hotspot. © YKAN
Community Patrol The community conducts patrols in North Misool to preserve nature. © Nugroho Arif Prabowo/YKAN

Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) has long supported the Government of Indonesia in managing the Bird’s Head Seascape through collaborative and sustainable approaches. Our commitment continues with support for the establishment of three new marine protected areas in West Papua Province.

With support from the Blue Action Fund, YKAN and its partners also work alongside Indigenous communities in Werur and Malaumkarta to steward and protect their customary lands and waters. Their active participation embodies the spirit of collaborative management, ensuring that multi-sectoral use aligns with collectively agreed purposes.

We also provide ongoing support to management authorities in coordinating and collaborating, so that the long-term benefits of the Bird’s Head Seascape can be achieved—for both people and nature.

Blue Hope in the Eastern Archipelago Conservation extends beyond nature; it encompasses community welfare. Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) collaborates with the Blue Action Fund to safeguard the natural splendor of the Bird’s Head Seascape in Southwest Papua, particularly in North Misool.

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