JAKARTA: Raja Ampat, a famous archipelago in Indonesia’s West Papua province, has been recognised as a biosphere reserve.
Among the 30 new UNESCO-designated biosphere reserves, Raja Ampat is considered the most biodiverse marine ecosystem on Earth.
This recognition marks another milestone following the UNESCO Global Geopark title that Raja Ampat received in 2023, making it one of the few places in the world to simultaneously hold two international titles from UNESCO, Vietnam news agency (VNA) reported.
The reserve covers about 135,000 sq.km with more than 610 islands, of which only 34 are inhabited.
Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the area boasts the world’s richest coral reef ecosystem, with over 75 per cent of the world’s coral species, more than 1,320 species of reef fish, and five rare and endangered sea turtle species, including the Hawksbill turtle.
About 60 per cent of the reefs are in good to excellent condition.
With two international designations, Raja Ampat is recognised not only for its unique geological heritage but also for its outstanding biodiversity, according VNA.
It is a place where conservation, science, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable development intersect, benefiting both local communities and the planet.
According to UNESCO, biosphere reserves act as “living laboratories” where communities, scientists, and governments collaborate on three pillars: conserving biodiversity and landscapes; promoting sustainable socio-economic development; and enhancing understanding through research, education, training, and knowledge sharing.
Today, the world has more than 700 Biosphere Reserves in over 130 countries, covering more than 5 per cent of the land area, serving as models of balance between conservation and sustainable use for the approximately 275 million people living in them. – BERNAMA-VNA
