Halmahera Seascape

The Halmahera Seascape lies within the heart of the Coral Triangle situated between two of the most diverse seascapes of Indonesia – Sulawesi and the Birds Head. With more than 1000 km2 of its coral reef marine ecosystems still unexplored, the region is truly one of the last frontiers of coral reef science. Encompassing four peninsulas and three great bays, Halmahera is the largest island of the Maluku Province, with a land area of 17,780 km². The Halmahera seascape remains unprotected by a single functional marine protected area (MPA) yet threats to the health of its coral reefs are ever present.

WCS Expertise and Achievements
Using lessons learnt from the diverse approach across a number of marine protected areas in Indonesia, we are embarking on an ambitious program to develop a network of MPAs at the heart the Coral Triangle in Indonesia – The Halmahera Seascape – Indonesia’s Coral Reef Frontier. The Halmahera Seascape is part of WCS global mission to conserve the last wild places on Earth. We will be looking to work with local, national and international partners to develop a conservation program for the region. Initial work will involve detailed ecological assessments of 3 regions of Halmahera including Morotai Island, Teluk Buli and the Central West Islands.  To date ecological assessment of Morotai and Kayoa Islands have been conducted.


The Human Aspect



WCS has a strong scientific approach to MPA development by blending knowledge of ecological systems with the social aspects of human needs. The program has published leading work on the social dimensions of achieving marine conservation in Indonesia and we have strong belief in conservation through adaptive management, science and social development.


Threats



Key threats to the marine environment include uncontrolled fishing activities, destruction of corals reefs through overfishing and destructive practices (eg. cyanide poisoning) a lack of government capacity to control damaging activities and a lack of community awareness and involvement in resource management activities. Currently there is no formal management or protected area in the Halmahera seascape.

WCS Activities



At WCS our unique approach is to blend community based approach with quality scientific investigations to deliver conservation outcomes for Indonesia marine conservation.  We specialize in the following areas:

  • Ecological assessment on coral reef resources in Morotai and Kayoa Islands
  • Assessment on socio-economic and fisheries resource use pattern in Kayoa Islands
  • Assessment on coral reef resilience in response to climate change

Important Next Steps


  • Assess socio-economic needs and perceptions to marine resource use and conservation;
  • Develop community co-management and marine protected area networks;
  • Build capacity of government and local NGO’s in marine resource management;
  • Conduct and support marine awareness and education programs
  • Assist communities in developing alternative livelihood projects.