"By: Mustika Muchtar & Tyassanti Triwydiarini/MPA & Biodiversity Facilitator SEA Project

South Sorong has an average of 76,171 Ha of primary mangrove forest and 3,266 Ha of secondary mangrove (Baseline data, USAID SEA Project, WWF-Indonesia). The data proves that South Sorong area is mostly water area. Therefore, the main means of transportation to reach between villages and districts can only be reached by sea, using longboats. According to Yoel Shesa, a tribal chief in Yaben Saifi "Apart from being a means of transportation, longboats also function as a social tool to facilitate the approach to the people of the South Sorong Coast"

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in South Sorong are established on a community-based basis, which aims to protect biodiversity and support sustainable fisheries in realizing community welfare. Indigenous people have a major role in determining MPAs. This happens because West Papua, especially South Sorong, still upholds customs, so everything related to the determination of the area must be based on the agreement of the indigenous community. Therefore, indigenous people in several coastal villages of South Sorong Regency are the main target of participants in Public Consultation II activities.

Through Public Consultation II, the community can express their rights to propose the type and name of the South Sorong Regional MPA in accordance with the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation No. 17 of 2008. The importance of holding Public Consultation II activities on October 1, 2018 which resulted in the type and name of the regional MPA based on the deliberation of the South Sorong coastal community, as well as other parties involved in MPA planning. One of the preparations made is by distributing invitations to the community in each village.

The distribution of invitations was carried out directly to villages representing three major tribes. Among them are Nusa and Mugim Villages in Metemani District, Yahadian Village in Kais District, Konda and Wamargege Villages in Konda District, Botain Village in Saifi District, Sayolo and Ampera Villages in Teminabuan District, Kamaro Village in Seremuk District, Tarof Village in Kokoda District, Mugibi and Mate Village in Inanwatan District. The method of issuing direct invitations between villages aims to ensure that the community is present in the discussion of determining the type and name of the MPA.

In the process of distributing invitations between villages, it took three days and two nights to reach twelve villages in eight districts. The main target figures to attend KP II were community leaders, religious leaders, women leaders, youth leaders, and village heads. The hope is that the community representatives through these figures can become figures who can pass on information and invite people in their respective villages regarding the establishment of MPAs in South Sorong.

The challenge faced during the distribution of invitations was difficult access. Traveling by longboat needs to consider the weather and sea waves. In addition to access, communication was also a big challenge in delivering information due to the limited telephone network which was quite difficult. But on the other hand, this method adds to the personal approach between the community and the WWF-Indonesia team as the implementing partner of the USAID SEA Project so that the process of delivering information is more easily accepted by the community.
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