SOMACORE Program: Pilot Model for Sustainable Management in the Marine Conservation Area of Derawan Islands

The Solutions for Marine and Coastal Resilience in the Coral Triangle (SOMACORE) program, implemented in Indonesia through the Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), has officially launched its pilot initiative in the Derawan Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA), Berau Regency, East Kalimantan. This effort aims to develop an effective and sustainable model for managing conservation areas.

SOMACORE is supported by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUKN) of Germany through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and is implemented by a consortium of 10 national, regional, and international organisations across six countries in the Coral Triangle.

By piloting this model in the Derawan Islands, SOMACORE seeks to strengthen the resilience of coastal and marine ecosystems while enhancing the well-being of local communities whose livelihoods depend on these resources. The program integrates science-based management, community participation, and policy support to ensure conservation efforts benefit both nature and people.

Irhan Hukmaidy, Head of the East Kalimantan Marine and Fisheries Department, expressed full support for this initiative. “Integrating the SOMACORE Program with regional policies will strengthen East Kalimantan’s role not only as a national strategic area but also as part of the Coral Triangle, which plays a crucial role in maintaining global marine ecosystem sustainability,” said Irhan during a coordination meeting with YKAN on 10 September 2025 in Samarinda.

Irhan added that the Indonesian government currently aims to effectively manage 32.5 million hectares of marine areas by 2030 and to protect 97.5 million hectares (equivalent to 30% of Indonesia’s total waters) by 2045. The KKP3K KDPS area is a strategic site in achieving these targets. SOMACORE is expected to support these goals by integrating conservation with community empowerment.

Muhammad Imran Amin, YKAN’s Marine Policy Program Director, explained, “The SOMACORE program in East Kalimantan will focus on developing community-based sea turtle monitoring models, restoring mangrove ecosystems linked to sustainable aquaculture, and strengthening women’s business groups.”

He further noted that the coastal and marine regions of East Kalimantan, especially Berau Regency, are vital parts of the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape, playing a key role in securing the future of the global Coral Triangle. This area contributes significantly to climate change mitigation, strengthens coastal eco-region resilience, and preserves marine ecosystems that support coastal communities.

The KKP3K KDPS was established through Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Decree No. 87/2016, covering an area of 285,548.95 hectares. Its biodiversity ranks as the second largest in Indonesia, featuring coral reef ecosystems, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and saltwater lakes that serve as habitats for various rare and protected species.

Beyond its ecological functions, this conservation area significantly impacts the socio-economic life of coastal communities. Traditional fishers in eight districts of Berau rely on this area as their primary livelihood source.

Fisheries from KKP3K KDPS play a role in providing healthy, nutritious food not only for Berau but also for the surrounding areas in East and North Kalimantan. Additionally, the region’s marine tourism appeal has driven local tourism growth. In 2024, tourist visits to Berau Regency reached 557,214, highlighting the significant economic potential tied to sustainable coastal and marine ecosystems.

Muhammad Ilman, YKAN’s Marine Program Director, concluded, “For us, collaboration is the key to successful conservation area management. Program success cannot be achieved without the support of communities, local governments, and development partners. The SOMACORE Program in Berau Regency is designed to connect all stakeholders in a joint effort to preserve ecosystems while delivering tangible benefits to the well-being of coastal communities.”