Enhancing Indigenous-led marine management
Roon Island and its surroundings, part of Cenderawasih Bay National Park, constitute Indonesia’s largest marine protected area. They harbour exceptional biodiversity, including whale sharks, dugongs, and nearly 1,000 fish species. Despite this richness, limited management resources, inadequate fisheries management, and few livelihood options threaten both the ecosystems and the 2,500 coastal islanders who depend upon them. Women, though active in marine resource use, remain underrepresented in decision-making.
This women-focused project will promote gender equality in marine conservation while strengthening Indigenous-led marine management and economic resilience on Roon Island. It will support women-led initiatives in conservation, seaweed farming, and ecotourism, while reinforcing a 394,000-hectare Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA) through traditional practices such as ‘kadup’ closures.
The project will engage 1,000 Indigenous Roon tribe members (40% of the island’s population), including 360 women (30%) from five villages. Men and youth will also be engaged as allies to foster inclusiveness.
Community-based monitoring and enforcement will be established or enhanced in partnership with stakeholders and Indigenous leaders. By linking gender inclusion, biodiversity protection, and income generation, the project aims to build long-term ecological and social resilience in coastal communities.
