By Tutus Wijanarko
In supporting the process of Regional Marine Protected Area Management (MPA) in Alor and East Flores Regencies, WWF-Indonesia conducted learning assistance for marine protected areas of Wakatobi National Park (TNW) for four days, starting from May 27 to 30, 2014. This activity was attended by representatives of local government and community from Alor and East Flores. These included representatives from the Marine and Fisheries Agency (DKP) of Alor Regency, DKP of East Flores Regency, Regional Planning and Development Agency (BAPPEDA) of East Flores Regency, as well as community leaders from Alor and East Flores Regencies.

Discussion visits to government agencies and community forums in Wakatobi National Park were carried out to get an overview of the form of management of the Wakotobi National Park Conservation Area. Then visits to several community forums including the Komanangi fishermen forum, a forum engaged in the business of processing products from seaweed in Liya Village, Wangi-wangi Island, Kahedupa Kaudani Forum (FORKANI), a cross-sector professional community forum that operates independently on Kaledupa Island and a visit to the Waha Tourism Community (WTC), a Wakatobi community self-help forum engaged in managing tourism activities by maximizing local community resources. In addition, the comparative study group also visited Hoga Island, a diving tourism island for local and international tourists.

From the results of the comparative study visit to Wakatobi, overall various kinds of information were obtained about the National Park management model carried out by the government and the community. Among them, the first is collaborative management, involving elements of the local government, the National Park Center, and WWF-Indonesia and the community. Second, the community plays a key role in the running of the National Park management system in the field, indicated by the formation of groups or forums independently. Third, a strong commitment from all elements, with a routine and integrated monitoring system program carried out once a month, such as routine monitoring of eight important resources in the waters of the Wakatobi National Park. And fourth, the factor of local wisdom is involved in preserving the environment.

After this comparative study, it is expected that there will be concrete actions from the Regional Government and local communities of Alor and East Flores Regencies to support the management process of regional Marine Protected Areas in Alor and East Flores Regencies.