Amazon of the seas
The Coral Triangle is a marine area located in the western Pacific Ocean. It spans six countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. Encompassing approximately 5.7 million square kilometres of ocean (a mere 1.6% of the planet’s total), the Coral Triangle is home to an astonishing 76% of the world's known coral species and over 3,000 species of fish - more than twice the number found anywhere else in the world.
The region’s rich biodiversity provides incalculable ecological value. The reefs and mangroves act as nurseries for numerous marine species, playing a crucial role in the oceanic food web. Moreover, the Coral Triangle’s ecosystems offer invaluable biological and socio-economic services, from climate regulation and storm protection to providing livelihoods and food security for millions of people.
Raja Ampat, situated off the coast of West Papua in Indonesia, is known as the ‘Crown Jewel of the Coral Triangle’ and is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Internationally recognised for its unparalleled marine biodiversity, Raja Ampat boasts over 1,800 species of fish and more than 550 species of coral. A site known as Cape Kri holds the world record for the most fish species counted on a single dive (a staggering 374 different species of fish were documented).
Spanning 70,000 square kilometres with over 1,500 islands and reefs supporting around 775,000 people, this region has not been immune to environmental challenges, from poaching to illegal and unregulated fishing, all of which threaten both its natural environment and dependent communities.
To protect this rich biodiversity, a number of measures have been implemented. For example, in 2007, the Indonesian Government declared a network of seven Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to ensure the long-term health of the marine ecosystems. These include the Southeast Misool MPA (346,000 hectares), the Dampier Strait MPA (357,000 hectares), and the West Waigeo MPA (271,000 hectares), as well as Mayalibit Bay (a 5,561-hectare reserve established by Rare). The Regency Government of Raja Ampat also declared its commitment to protecting sharks and manta rays by officially declaring a 46,000 square kilometre shark and manta ray sanctuary.




Further, the Bird’s Head Seascape Initiative was created in 2004 by a strong union of international NGOs and local, regional, provincial and national governments, coastal communities, local organisations, and universities to help protect the area. The partnership helps protect the seascape while enabling Indigenous communities to protect their traditions and economic security. To date, the Initiative consists of 22.5 million hectares protected by a network of 26 MPAs and is strongly supported by the communities that surround and live within them.
Last but not least, tourism is constantly monitored by the Raja Ampat MPA Management Authority. The organisation is working to better monitor tourism in the region and eventually establish capacity controls.
Rare’s Fish Forever program advocates for a unique management approach called Managed Access & Reserves, or MA+R. Under MA+R, fishing rights are provided to local communities within specific areas, while adjoining areas are designated as reserves that are off-limits to fishing. The initiative also strengthens existing MPAs by supporting and integrating traditional practices in fisheries management. The strategy aims to protect crucial marine habitats, sustain fish populations, and replenish fishing grounds. It employs a community-driven process anchored in principles of behaviour change and backed by scientific design.
The MA+R approach seeks to achieve a critical equilibrium between environmental preservation and the wellbeing of local communities by offering a middle ground, allowing for fishing practices that are not only profitable but also sustainable, ensuring that the marine resources remain available for future generations.



Rare’s past work played a small but vital part of the conservation tapestry in the Coral Triangle, particularly in Raja Ampat. We engaged with 31 communities from two MPAs in Raja Ampat, involving 7,918 community members, to establish and strengthen a total of 260,972 hectares of MA+R areas, including 4,509 hectares of vital coral reef habitat. This effort not only contributed to the ecological resilience of Raja Ampat but also played a pivotal role in empowering local communities to take charge of their marine resources sustainably.
Rare recognises the global significance of the Coral Triangle and Raja Ampat, as the region remains a high priority for marine conservation efforts worldwide. The success story of Raja Ampat, bolstered by Rare’s past contributions, is a compelling case for seeking new funds and partnerships. Our goal is to continue the vital work of conserving this unique marine biodiversity hotspot. Renewed funding and support can enable us to expand our impact, continuing to balance ecological health with the socio-economic needs of local communities. As the challenges facing our oceans grow, so does the need for concerted, effective conservation strategies like those Rare has championed in Raja Ampat.


Raja Ampat is a living blueprint for what marine conservation can achieve through collaborative governance, community engagement, and science-based policies. For those of us involved in marine conservation, particularly in programs that aim to reconcile ecological health with human needs, the success of Raja Ampat serves as both a validation and an inspiration.
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