A collaboration between WWF-Indonesia Foundation, Asmat District Government, Musamus Merauke University, Indonesia Conservation Strategy Foundation, and Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago

Merauke, South Papua November 8, 2024. The Asmat District Government, WWF-Indonesia, Musamus Merauke University, the Indonesian Conservation Strategy Foundation, and the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago worked together to conduct a public consultation of the results of an economic valuation study in four villages in Asmat District (Mumugu, Er, Sona and Bu villages), South Papua Province. The study was conducted from June to September 2023 by a joint research team and continued with deepening through consultations and focus group discussions.

This study was conducted to show how valuable and irreplaceable the surrounding natural resources are. The existence of this study can strengthen the position of Indigenous peoples to protect the area that is the source of their livelihood and also strengthen the Indigenous Peoples' narrative on asset protection and the role of natural resource management and environmental services to be accommodated in Development policies.

The main objectives of this study are to discuss options for economic instruments, land tenure, jurisdictional approaches, customary natural resource management, and environmental services; to provide concrete suggestions and recommendations for decision-makers, both at the central and regional levels, so that they can be a solution for efforts to improve livelihoods in particular and the welfare of Indigenous peoples in general; and to prepare information that can illustrate the real capacity of Indigenous peoples to become sustainable economic actors sovereignly.

The interim result is that this study can serve as a basis for decision-making in committing to indigenous peoples' recognition, protection, and development. Ensure that Indigenous Peoples' rights to economic assets have a meaningful place and reward in production activities for economic growth.

Related to this, a Public Consultation on the Results of the Study on the Total Economic Value of Natural Resources and the Environment of the Asmat District Ecosystem Area, South Papua Province was also held, which was attended by representatives from the local government at the provincial and district levels within the South Papua Province, academics from universities, indigenous peoples' organizations, non-governmental organizations, and civil society.

The public consultation was opened by Dr. Esau Ombore the Head of Planning of Bapperida South Papua Province, who emphasized that "Economic valuation studies, not only provide an overview of the economic value of various sectors in our region, but also become the basis for formulating policies that are fair, targeted and sustainable". So on this occasion, it is hoped that ladies and gentlemen can provide views, input, and constructive criticism. He continued, "This study must be included in the RPJMD as a consideration for the development of South Papua".

It is expected that the results of the economic valuation can be used for program and policy recommendations on Indigenous community-based economic development options. This collaboration was initiated by CSF, AMAN, WWF, UNMUS, UNCEN, Stakeholders, and Indigenous Peoples.

Finished

Photos of the event can be accessed here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zSQ7ieua_5Os7YQ_1_tgVv374J59VMYk?usp=sharing

For more information please contact :

• Romualdus TP Maro Djanggo, S.E., M.Si, Faculty of Economics and Business, Musamus University, 0852-4377-0893
• Ros Weyai, Communication Officer WWF Indonesia Papua Program, 0822-39033227