Across Indonesia’s Wallacea region one of the world most biologically rich marine areas coastal communities are successfully reviving centuries old customary conservation practices to protect marine ecosystems from overfishing, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss.
Highlighted in the documentary Jejak Wallacea these community led initiatives demonstrate how local knowledge and traditional governance systems can play a crucial role in environmental conservation. The efforts span four provinces East Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, and Central Sulawesi where residents are combining cultural traditions with modern conservation goals.
In Solor, East Nusa Tenggara, communities have established protected marine zones known as “marine granaries” (kebang lewa lolon) to restore coral reefs and safeguard marine resources. Local residents have also created turtle hatcheries and abandoned destructive blast fishing methods in favor of sustainable practices. According to Vero Lamahoda, director of Yayasan Tanah Ile Boleng, conservation efforts are being guided by local wisdom and community values.
Meanwhile in Southeast Sulawesi’s Wabula village, a traditional management system called Kaombo regulates access to protected coastal habitats, including seagrass beds and mangrove forests. Those who violate community rules may face customary sanctions or participate in traditional rituals such as Kaleo Leo, a unique practice used to determine responsibility for violations.
Communities on Langkai and Lanjukang islands in South Sulawesi have adopted seasonal fishing closures for octopus harvesting. These temporary restrictions allow marine populations to recover naturally, ensuring sustainable catches and long-term food security.
Research conducted by the conservation organization Burung Indonesia found that these community based conservation efforts have contributed to the recovery of at least seven important marine species. Beneficiaries include the Banggai Cardinalfish, Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Pelagic Thresher Shark, and Dugong.
In South Sulawesi, community managed turtle hatcheries have successfully released nearly 4,000 sea turtle hatchlings into the wild, supporting the recovery of endangered populations.
The conservation efforts are also delivering economic benefits. In the Banggai Islands, mangrove restoration projects have helped stabilize crab populations, an important source of income for local communities. Documentary director Sam August Himmawan emphasized that healthy mangrove ecosystems support both biodiversity and local livelihoods.
Conservation experts stress that the long term success of these initiatives will depend on formal government recognition and support. By strengthening local institutions and empowering communities to design their own conservation strategies, Indonesia’s Wallacea region is offering a powerful example of how traditional knowledge can help protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable development.