MARITIMEPOSTS.COM– The Government of Maluku Province and the Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation (YKAN) are strengthening their collaboration to accelerate the management of marine conservation areas, enhance community-based fisheries, improve coastal resilience, and promote the implementation of the blue economy across Maluku.
The commitment was highlighted during a meeting between YKAN and Maluku Provincial Secretary Sadali Ie in Ambon on July 29, 2026.
The meeting focused on drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Provincial Government of Maluku and YKAN as a framework for cooperation in managing conservation areas, developing community-based fisheries, strengthening coastal resilience, and creating sustainable financing mechanisms to support marine resource management.
This collaboration will support the protection and management of several priority conservation areas in Maluku, including the proposed Teon, Nila, and Serua (TNS) Marine Conservation Area covering 683,826.89 hectares, the proposed Lucipara Islands Marine Conservation Area covering 388,172.10 hectares, and the proposed Banda Sea Deep-Sea Marine Conservation Area spanning 11,201,775.46 hectares.
Although the Banda Sea Deep-Sea Marine Conservation Area falls under the authority of the central government, it remains highly significant for the people of Maluku as it supports the sustainability of fisheries resources, ecosystem services, and the economic resilience of coastal communities.
Maluku Provincial Secretary Sadali Ie said that the provincial government welcomes the partnership with YKAN as part of its efforts to strengthen sustainable ocean governance.
“Maluku’s vast marine potential must be managed collaboratively by prioritizing scientific approaches, integrating local wisdom, and ensuring that benefits are felt by coastal communities. We hope this partnership with YKAN will further strengthen regional capacity in managing conservation areas while promoting a sustainable blue economy,” said Sadali.
Through this partnership, both parties will develop co-management approaches for conservation areas, strengthen Regional Technical Implementation Units (UPTDs) through the Regional Public Service Agency (BLUD) model, enhance conservation area monitoring and enforcement, build human resource capacity, and develop sustainable financing schemes to ensure the long-term effectiveness of conservation management.
Head of the Maluku Provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency Erawan Asikin described the collaboration as an important opportunity to strengthen integrated marine management.
“YKAN’s experience and technical support will reinforce the efforts of the Maluku Provincial Government in managing conservation areas. This synergy is essential for improving management capacity, strengthening monitoring efforts, and expanding community participation in safeguarding marine resources,” Erawan said.
YKAN Executive Director Herlina Hartanto emphasized that successful conservation can only be achieved through strong partnerships among government institutions, local communities, and other stakeholders.
“We believe conservation must deliver tangible benefits to people. Therefore, YKAN is committed to supporting the Government of Maluku Province not only through capacity building, science-based technical assistance, and sustainable financing development, but also through community empowerment so that local people can actively participate in managing marine resources,” Herlina stated.
She added that Maluku plays a strategic role in preserving Indonesia’s marine biodiversity and therefore requires management approaches supported by scientific data and community participation.
“Maluku has tremendous potential to become a model for effective marine conservation area management in Indonesia. YKAN’s support will focus on strengthening governance, developing science-based management plans, improving the capacity of conservation managers, and enhancing the role of communities and local traditions such as sasi, so that conservation can go hand in hand with the well-being of coastal communities,” she added.
Through this collaboration, the Government of Maluku Province and YKAN hope that conservation area management in Maluku can become a model for balancing biodiversity protection, community welfare, and sustainable blue economy development.
About YKAN
The Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation (YKAN) is a science-based non-profit organization that has operated in Indonesia since 2014. YKAN develops innovative solutions to harmonize people and nature through effective natural resource governance, non-confrontational approaches, and broad partnerships with stakeholders to support a sustainable Indonesia.
For more information, visit YKAN Official Website.
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