The landscape of forests in the Bird’s Head region of Papua Island comprises valleys, lowlands, highlands, and mangrove clusters, all teeming with mysterious biodiversity. These forests are guarded by indigenous communities who possess sustainable wisdom. We call it the “Crown Jewel of Papua Land.”
The Crown Jewel of Papua Land spans across Tambrauw and Maybrat Regencies in the Southwest Papua Province, as well as South Manokwari, Arfak Mountains, and Bintuni Bay in West Papua Province. Most of these areas remain covered with natural forests, rich in biodiversity and high in irreplaceable carbon. For at least the next three years, the EcoNusa Foundation will initiate programs to support indigenous communities in protecting their rights and to assist government efforts through mechanisms of customary forest and social forestry. This initiative aims to ensure sustainable and enduring community economies while protecting these critical ecosystems.