Zoning
Marine Protected Areas in Raja Ampat
The below table describes the Utilization Zones in Raja Ampat’s Marine Protected Areas, and a general description of the activities that can occur within these zones. All individuals and organisations conducting activities within Marine Protected Areas should familiarise themselves with the Utilization Zones (see specific MPA pages), and any associated regulations that are relevant to the activities they wish to conduct.
Before entering a Marine Protected Area, it is important to know where these Utilisation Zones are, and what activities are permitted and/or forbidden there.
For a detailed description of all activities affected by Zoning Regulation, please refer to Table 14, pages 48-51 of the “Management and Zoning Plan – Raja ampat Marine Protected Areas 2019-2038′”.
| Description of Zoning in Raja Ampat Marine Protected Areas | Scuba Diving | Snorkeling | Kayak | Jet Ski | Fishing | Anchoring |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Core Zone A conservation zone is designated based on its high ecological value, and can only be accessed through a strict permitting process for very limited purposes (e.g. for research or educational purposes). | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Food Security and Tourism Sub-zone Also known as “No Take Zones”. All methods of fishing activities are prohibited within this Sub-zone. Sustainable tourism activities can be organized within this Sub-zone. | YES | YES | YES | NO* | NO | NO** |
Sasi Sub-zone and Traditional Utilization Sub-zones specifically designated for utilization activities for local communities, such as sustainable fishing activities and community cultural practices. Sustainable tourism activities are also permitted in the Sasi and Traditional Utilization Sub-zones. | YES | YES | YES | NO* | YES*** | NO** |
Aquaculture and Sustainable Fisheries Sub-zone In this Sub-zone, only limited-scale commercial fish farming and fishing activities are permitted. This sub-zone also allows sustainable tourism activities. | YES | YES | YES | NO* | YES | NO** |
* It is prohibited to use jet skis and/or other motorized water sports vehicles within the Marine Conservation Area. In general, dropping anchors is not permitted in Marine Protected Areas (KKP) in Raja Ampat. As much as possible, make use of moorings.
*** Fishing is only permitted for local communities. Tourists are only allowed to fish with permission from the Traditional Head, and under the supervision of local communities
** If removing the anchor is an unavoidable necessity, then do it responsibly and in accordance with all relevant regulations and codes of conduct.
Raja Ampat’s rich reefs and abundant seas provide a multitude of ecosystem services to local and international communities and industries. From traditional use and food security, through to fisheries and a growing tourism industry; a variety of stakeholders derive benefit from the regions marine resources.
In order to protect these resources from exploitation or unsustainable use, and to ensure the long-term protection of marine environments, in 2004 the first of 9 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) was established. This network of MPAs now covers 2,000,109 hectares which together form the Raja Ampat Marine Park, under provincial and national jurisdiction.
Each Marine Protected Area contains specific zones, which help to manage and protect natural resources by applying rules that define the activities that are permitted, the activities that are prohibited, and the activities that require a permit. Zones may also place restrictions on how some activities are conducted.
Zoning is an integral component of management in the Raja Ampat Marine Park; it is a key strategy in sustaining and improving reef health and resilience, leading to healthy and productive reefs throughout the region, which in turn provides food security, regional stability, and economic and health benefits to local communities and a range of local and international stakeholders.