Community Participation in Marine Protected Area Management in Karimunjawa, Indonesia

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been popular as a tool to protect marine biodiversity, provide areas for fish breeding that can increase fish catch from spillover into adjoining areas, and potentially increase the income of... [ view full abstract ]

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been popular as a tool to protect marine biodiversity, provide areas for fish breeding that can increase fish catch from spillover into adjoining areas, and potentially increase the income of local communities while maintaining cultural values. Management of MPAs can be improved when a range of stakeholders are involved in the planing and decision-making process. Karimunjawa National Park (KNP) is a MPA that is located in Karimunjuawa Island, Jepara Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. KNP is significant due to its rich biodiversity, potential for economic activity, and important social values; it has recently been subject to rezoning to allow a range of activities. The objective of this research was to identify community participation in MPA management in KNP. Semi-structured interviews was conducted with key informants, including community represntatives, tourism entrepreneurs, religious leaders, village heads, NGO staff, and KNP Authority staff to determine the extent of community participation in MPA management. Community members participated in a range of MPA management programmes. These included: participation in rezoning programmes, involvement in sea patrol organisations involved with socialisation of regulations and reporting the violations of zoning and village rules; informing tourists about village rules; supporting the regulation of fishing activities, participation in mangrove and turtle conservation.