Strengthening Community Roles in Protecting Maluku’s Ocean Ecosystem Through Basic Conservation Training

The Maluku Provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency (DKP), supported by the Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), organized the Basic Conservation Training (MPA 101) in Waipia, Teon, Nila, and Serua (TNS) District, Central Maluku, from 19–25 September 2025. The training involved community representatives from the TNS District, including local government officials, traditional marine territory owners, religious leaders, women's representatives, and youth, totaling 94 participants from 15 villages.

The training’s objective is to enhance community understanding of community-based marine protected area management principles. This is fully aligned with the designated 685,000-hectare Marine Protected Area in the TNS Islands, which will undoubtedly become part of the marine conservation network of the Maluku province.

This training teaches participants to understand coastal ecosystems like mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. These ecosystems are vital for maintaining water quality, absorbing carbon, providing essential habitats for marine life, and safeguarding the shoreline from storms and large waves. Participants are encouraged to explore the historical and current state of marine resources, as well as discuss the threats posed by environmentally harmful fishing practices, overfishing, and the adverse effects of climate change.

Erawan Asikin, Head of the Maluku Provincial DKP, emphasised the importance of this initiative. “This training is a concrete step in strengthening marine conservation management in Maluku, especially in the TNS Islands. This area has great fisheries potential and biodiversity, but is also highly vulnerable. We will safeguard marine resources while providing economic benefits for future generations through community involvement,” he said.

As part of the agenda, participants were introduced to the concept of Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM), including fishing zone arrangements within the conservation area. Discussions also highlighted local wisdom-based marine management practices, such as “sasi laut,” as well as marine ecotourism opportunities that could create new economic avenues without harming ecosystems.

Beyond classroom sessions, the training incorporated participatory methods such as group discussions, coastal resource mapping, educational games, and activities to comprehend species interconnections. This approach allowed participants to witness firsthand how the loss of even a single ecosystem link can disrupt the balance and threaten coastal livelihoods.

Ronald Wonmaly, Head of TNS District, expressed his appreciation for community engagement. “Life in TNS is closely tied to the sea. That is why community participation in this training is crucial—they are not only beneficiaries but also the primary guardians of the ecosystems that sustain their lives. We hope the knowledge gained will be applied directly to protect the sea and improve community welfare,” he said.

Part of the Marine Protected Area Planning and Designation Process

The training is rooted in the need to protect the Banda Ecoregion, recognized by scientists as the second most critical area in the Coral Triangle, following the Bird’s Head Seascape in Papua. This region boasts a rich diversity of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, serving as a crucial habitat for turtles, marine mammals, and numerous economically valuable fish species. As these ecosystems face increasing pressures, community capacity-building initiatives like this are deemed essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of Maluku’s seas.

Muhammad Ilman, Ocean Program Director of YKAN, emphasized the global importance of this area. “The waters of Maluku, including the TNS Islands, are part of the Coral Triangle, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. The Banda Sea alone contributes approximately 10 percent of the national fisheries production. This training is part of our efforts to ensure the sustainability of fisheries while actively involving communities, women, and youth. By doing so, we aim to make marine governance more inclusive, adaptable, and sustainable.”

Through the MPA 101 training series, the TNS community is expected not only to gain a new understanding but also to strengthen their commitment to protecting their seas. This collective awareness will form the foundation of marine conservation area management, ultimately benefiting local communities, supporting Indonesia’s fisheries sustainability, and preserving global marine ecosystem health.