Labuan Bajo - The West Manggarai Regency Government and WWF-Indonesia today (18/12) signed a Cooperation Agreement in Labuan Bajo, related to the management of marine natural resources and small islands to realize sustainable development in the regency. The signing was done between the Regent of West Manggarai, Agustinus Ch. Dulla; and WWF-Indonesia's Coral Triangle Program Director, Wawan Ridwan.

In addition to strengthening synergistic and harmonious commitments and partnerships, the signing of this Cooperation Agreement is also one of the strategic steps to strengthen cross-regional and sectoral cooperation related to conservation and marine tourism efforts, both inside and outside the Komodo National Park waters - which is not only a national asset, but also a high-value asset for West Manggarai Regency.

Met after the signing, Wawan Ridwan said, "Through this collaboration, WWF hopes that the implementation of management and zoning plans can run effectively and ensure that the tourism sector not only supports the sustainability of marine and coastal resources inside and outside the Komodo National Park water area, but also the welfare of the people's lives."

Currently, the West Manggarai Regency Government has established and coordinated Regional Work Units (SKPD) related to the protection of sharks and manta rays, the development of responsible tourism (responsible tourism) and the management of waste banks in the waters of Komodo National Park and surrounding areas. This effort is part of the West Manggarai Regency Government's commitment to the mandate of Law No.27 of 2007 concerning the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands, which emphasizes the need for sustainable management and utilization of marine biological resources in coastal areas and islands in order to be able to prosper the community, both for now and the future.

West Manggarai Regency as one of the regencies in the region located in Fisheries Management Areas (WPP) 713 and 573 is considered to have a wealth of fisheries and tourism resources that can contribute to its regional income. In addition, West Manggarai Regency is included in the Coral Triangle (Coral Triangle) - an area with the highest level of marine biodiversity in the world - which also factors into the importance of protecting and managing the regency's marine and coastal resources.

For more information, please contact:
Muhammad Ridha Hakim, Sunda Banda Seascape Partnersip & Governance Leader, WWF-Indonesia
Email: rhakim@wwf.or.id, Hp: +62 812 3778055