Document Type

Presentation

Date of Original Version

3-29-2025

Abstract

Indonesia’s coastal and marine environment supports high marine biodiversity, with conservation efforts aimed at sustainable management. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), such as the Savu Sea MPA, play a key role in these efforts. Rote Island, located on the eastern side of this MPA, has coastal communities heavily reliant on marine resources, primarily fishing and seaweed farming. While conservation measures impact local resource access, there is limited research on their socio-cultural dimensions, particularly from the perspective of local stakeholders. Although conservation should prioritize local communities, studies indicate minimal involvement in planning and implementation. This study examines how marine conservation affects Rote’s coastal communities from their perspective. Fieldwork in October 2024 involved over 50 key informant interviews with local representatives, government officials, and conservation practitioners, alongside field observations. Findings reveal that while most respondents are aware of marine conservation, their understanding is largely limited to habitat and species protection, with many unaware of the MPA’s existence. Community involvement is often limited to sporadic events, though some villages have resource monitoring groups and customary governance mechanisms. Concerns include the lack of conservation authority presence and enforcement, as well as emerging ocean grabbing in tourism areas, where non-local actors dominate marine tourism, restricting community access. While tourism offers an alternative livelihood, its negative impacts on conservation and resource access remain overlooked. These findings highlight the need for inclusive conservation strategies, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and greater community participation to ensure sustainable and equitable marine resource management in Rote.

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