A Healthy Future for Indonesian Coral Reefs

Countries involved:  Indonesia

Coral Collective Partner:  GFCR

Indonesia’s coral reefs, located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, are among the largest, most diverse, and resilient in the world. The Terumbu Karang Sehat Indonesia Programme targets almost 250,000 hectares of total area under improved ecological management.  Led by GFCR convening agents Conservation International and Yayasan Konservsai Cakrawla Indonesia.  This project has established two main objectives: a) diversifying sustainable revenue streams to the MPA network to ensure effective protection of critical coral reef ecosystems and the prevention of destructive fishing; and b) investing in the marine tourism industry to ensure it is better managed, associated threats to reefs are reduced, and Papuan communities’ benefit. In Palau Sumba, the programme seeks to transform the rapidly growing seaweed mariculture industry to demonstrate coral-positive, equitable, and profitable models that can be replicated nationally, per the ambition of the Indonesian Government. Across both regions, the programme focuses on the direct incubation of scalable reef-positive enterprise investments.

FAQ of Coral reef conservation initiatives

• What is the Terumbu Karang Sehat Indonesia Programme?

  The Terumbu Karang Sehat Indonesia Programme is an initiative focused on improving the ecological management of Indonesian coral reefs by developing sustainable revenue streams, investing in marine tourism, and transforming seaweed mariculture to support conservation efforts.

• Why are Indonesian coral reefs important?

  Indonesian coral reefs are part of the Coral Triangle, home to the world's richest marine biodiversity. They provide vital ecosystem services, support fisheries, and drive marine tourism while acting as a natural barrier against coastal erosion.

• How does marine tourism benefit Papuan communities?

  Sustainable marine tourism investment helps Papuan communities by creating jobs, protecting coral reefs, and ensuring long-term economic benefits through eco-friendly tourism initiatives.

• What are sustainable revenue streams for coral reef conservation?

  Sustainable revenue streams for coral reef conservation include marine tourism, eco-certification programs, reef-positive enterprises, and responsible seaweed mariculture that minimizes environmental impact while supporting local economies.

• How does seaweed mariculture support coral reef conservation?

  Transforming seaweed mariculture into a coral-positive enterprise reduces environmental damage, provides alternative livelihoods for coastal communities, and prevents destructive fishing practices that harm Indonesian coral reefs.

• What is the role of Conservation International in reef conservation?

  Conservation International, along with Yayasan Konservasi Cakrawala Indonesia, leads projects like the Terumbu Karang Sehat Indonesia Programme to promote sustainable management of coral reefs through science-based conservation strategies.

• How does GFCR support coral reef conservation?

  The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) provides financial support to initiatives like the Terumbu Karang Sehat Indonesia Programme, ensuring long-term sustainability for Indonesian coral reefs through funding, research, and policy development.