The Mamberamo Raya regency administration in Papua plans to develop the region and gain income without damaging the environment.
“The regency administration can earn an income without sacrificing the
forest, and the residents can get food without damaging the forest,”
said Mamberamo Raya Regent Demianus Kyew Kyew in Kasonaweja, Mamberamo
Raya, on the sidelines of an event to mark the signing of an agreement
between his administration, the Papua provincial administration and the
USAID-IFACS (Indonesia Forest and Climate Support) program on May 24.
The
agreement, signed by Demianus and USAID chief of party Peter E. Hetz,
outlines several areas of cooperation in curbing deforestation and
greenhouse gas emissions, as well as protecting the forest and its
wildlife.
The IFACS program is designed to protect and improve
elements of the ecosystem, such as water quality, reduce erosion and
absorb carbon dioxide while supporting economic development and
improving food security.
According to Hetz, Mamberamo Ray has
been picked for the IFACS program because the regency administration has
demonstrated a commitment to developing the area without damaging the
forest and its resources.
Prior to IFACS’ involvement, the
Mamberamo Raya regency administration had designed a spatial management
plan and an environmental conservation development program as the area
is home to the 2 million-hectare Pegunungan Foja Wildlife Refuge Park,
which was established by a Forestry Ministery decree.
The Ronald Petocz survey in 1987 found that the wildlife refuge was home to 332 bird and 80 mammal species.
A
study conducted in 2008 by the Conservation International’s rapid
assessment program discovered new species, such as the golden fur
kangaroo (Dendrolagus pulcherrimus) and the long-nosed frog (Litoria sp.
nov.).
The central government had earlier planned to build a
hydro-power plant along the Mamberamo River, which stretches for 670
kilometers, but no action has yet been taken.
Mount Fodja, standing at 2,164 meters above sea level, towers over the thick forests that dominate Mamberamo Raya regency.
The regency sprawls over 31,136 square kilometers but is only inhabited by 18,365 people, according to the 2010 census.
Mamberamo
Raya gained its autonomy from Sarmi and Waropen regencies in March
2007, based on Law No. 19/2007, and has since been working on the twin
tasks of economic development and environmental conservation.
The cooperation between USAID-IFACS and Mamberamo Raya has obtained full support from the local legislature.
“I
support the cooperation as it helps the people to protect the forest in
Mamberamo despite the development activities,” said Mamberamo Raya
regency council speaker Yohanis Salomon.