MAINTAINING NATURAL FORESTS, SAFEGUARDING LIVELIHOODS AND CULTURAL IDENTITY FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN THE SPATIAL PLANNING OF SOUTHERN PAPUA PROVINCE
Conserving natural forests in South Papua Province is a progressive and important step that illustrates a strong commitment to protecting local indigenous communities' lifeblood and cultural identity. With an area covering 11,784,900 hectares, of which 42% is natural forest, South Papua has invaluable natural wealth that enables sustainable management of natural resources.
Land utilization for activities such as agriculture, plantations, forestry, infrastructure, and settlements is done by balancing development needs and environmental preservation. This is important because this area is the center of life and culture of indigenous peoples, with high conservation values that must be maintained as an important natural and cultural asset of South Papua.
Sustainable development efforts in Papua
The agreement covers the optimization of sustainable development planning through several activities. Among them are support for the provision of ecological information systems and data for animal and environmental conservation planning, synchronization of development programs to ensure areas of high conservation value are considered, and development of Provincial Spatial Plans (RTRWP) that focus on biodiversity conservation. In addition, the agreement also aims to build coordination among development partners to support the implementation. has taken the initiative to advocate for the integration of socio-cultural and forest preservation natural areas in the spatial planning of South Papua Province.
It has been identified that 1,713,548.22 hectares (14.5% of the area of South Papua Province) of socio-cultural areas and ecosystem corridors are strategic for protecting socio-culture and the environment. These efforts are essential to safeguard biodiversity, ecosystems, and the cultural heritage and identity of indigenous peoples as valuable assets for South Papua and Indonesia at large.
To realize the preservation of socio-cultural areas and natural forests in South Papua, an integrated approach that incorporates high conservation value areas into the planning of the South Papua Provincial Spatial Plan is underway. Ongoing stages are the integration of social and cultural areas and their strategic values, determination of objectives, management and development directions, and preparation of programs.
This opportunity for integration of social and cultural areas is directed at the establishment of Provincial Strategic Areas for Social and Cultural Interests in the Spatial Plan of South Papua Province, following the mandate of the Regulation of the Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning / Head of the National Land Agency of the Republic of Indonesia Number 11 of 2021 concerning Procedures for Preparation, Review, Revision, and Issuance of Substance Approval of Provincial, Regency, City Spatial Plans, and Detailed Spatial Plans.
In the next process, the formulation of the management and development plan for the South Papua Province Strategic Area designated for Social and Cultural Interests will determine the strategic value, objectives, direction of management and development, and main programs such as handling Important Places, Customary Areas, and Cultural Preservation Areas."
The Importance of Collaboration
The process actively involves a wide range of stakeholders, including local governments, indigenous peoples, academics, and environmental experts. This multi-stakeholder involvement is important to harmonize the various cross-sectoral interests that pose challenges to conservation efforts. Nonetheless, the strong commitment and enthusiasm of all parties make this effort very likely to be realized. Key support from the Papua Government itself is also crucial in managing and protecting production forests and indigenous peoples' livelihoods.
This collaboration is expected to strengthen South Papua as an example of sustainable and environmentally sound natural resource management. Not only that, this effort also supports the achievement of national and global sustainable development targets, while preserving Papua's natural heritage as a valuable asset for future generations.