Raja Ampat "Coral Triangle Center, World paradise"

Raja Ampat is one of regencies in the province of West Papua, Indonesia. This district capital is located in Waisai. Raja Ampat Islands located in the northwest part of Papua Province has a total area of land and sea around 9.8 million acres. Looking at his position in the triangle area of coral reef, right in the center of diversity of coral reefs worldwide, the Raja Ampat Islands sea area is indicated as the richest biodiversity in the world.

An extensive collection of coral reefs and prove that this rich coral reefs in these islands to survive against threats like coral bleaching and disease, two types of threats that are now seriously endanger the survival of coral reefs worldwide. Strong ocean currents in Raja Ampat plays an important role in the spread of coral larvae across the Indian and Pacific oceans to the other reef ecosystems. Capability is supported by the diversity and resilience make this region a top priority for protection.In 2002, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and its partners conducted a scientific survey to obtain data and information about marine ecosystems, mangroves, and forests of the Raja Ampat Islands. This survey shows that there are some 537 species of coral, which is really exciting because it represents about 75% of reefs in the world. In addition, 828 species of fish and estimated the total number of fish species in this region 1074. On land, the survey found lush forests, endemic and rare plants, plants in the limestone as well as thousands of sea turtle nesting beaches.

Human activities on these islands have yet to demonstrate a significant negative impact compared with coral reef areas elsewhere in Indonesia, but the threats because the practices are not environmentally friendly such as the use of bombs, poison (cyanide), turtle egg collection and logging do not pay attention to the aspects of sustainability is expected to disrupt the integrity of existing ecosystems. The Indonesian government has just set the Raja Ampat region as a new independent district, which is a great opportunity for local communities to manage natural resources for the future of the Raja Ampat their lives. The new government is also considering offering the opportunity to participate in the conservation aspects in spatial planning for the new district.

Raja Ampat consists of four major islands, namely smalldam, Batanta, Salawati and Misool and hundreds of smaller islands. The islands are part of the expanse of ocean areas that include the Bird's Head area of Paradise Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia.