Zeth Wonggor, David Gibbs, Ecotourism Pioneers (Part II)
Upon the arrival of David Gibbs, an English ornithologist, to observe bird-of-paradise (Paradisaeidae) behavior at Syoubri Village, he brought other visitors that might bolster local income without putting forests ecosystem at Arfak Mountain at risks. Arfak slowly goes global. Mesmerized by the Arfak youngster, Zeth Wonggor, knowledge on birds and other fauna in Arfak forests, […]
Birds-of-Paradise in Papuan Belief, Bird of A Sibling Reincarnation
Birds-of-paradise is one of the protected bird families that develops into the indigineous people’s cultural identity in Tanah Papua. Birds-of-paradise also contain special traditional value if compared to other common birds or animals. Birds-of-paradise folklore is also passed around by elders to the youngsters from generation to generation. Gustaf Toto, the customary leader or so-called […]
The Rainforest and Birds-of-Paradise’s Preservation in Papuan Culture
The existence of birds-of-paradise in the rainforest of Tanah Papua and Maluku Island is not only a sign of the rainforest ecosystem’s health. Birds-of-Paradise also signifies a cultural and religious symbol of indigineous people in Tanah Papua. Customary laws embracing local wisdom on protection of nature and the living creatures inside the forest have been […]
Zeth Wonggor, David Gibbs, Ecotourism Pioneers (Part I)
A white man yelled amidst the dense jungle in Syoubri Village in the former Irian Jaya Province (that is now called West Papua Province). The man looked for Zeth Wongor, a youngster living in a small hut in the jungle. When found, they stared each other. Breaking the silence, the white man spoke briefly, “I […]
Protecting Papua and Maluku Forests Not Only About Birds-of-Paradise Preservation
Indonesia’s largest tropical rainforest is in Tanah Papua and the Maluku Islands. More than 3,000 vertebrate and 200,000 invertebrate species live in this tropical rainforest area. They range from insects, reptiles, mammals to birds, including birds-of-paradise with their well-known magnificence. In addition, Papua Island also has more than 13,000 vascular plants, making it the richest […]
Tim Laman, Ed Scholes, and Prof. Charlie D Heatubun in MACE Defending Paradise
The tropical rainforest in Tanah Papua and Maluku Islands is one of the largest tropical rainforest areas in the world with a high level of biodiversity. Most of them are endemic flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere in the world, including in other parts of Indonesia. One of them are birds-of-paradise which associated […]
Ecosystem Complexity Affecting Birds-of-Paradise Diversity and Endemicity
The nature ecosystem in Tanah Papua spreads throughout the underwater ecosystem, coastal, lowland, plateau to snow-covered mountains. According to the forming geographical history, the ecosystem complexity and diversity affect the number of endemic flora and fauna in Tanah Papua, including cenderawasih or birds-of-paradise. Their rainforests support biodiversity, diverse species of flora and fauna. Most of […]
Cenderawasih Significance in Rainforest Ecosystem Stability
The landscape and ecosystem of Tanah Papua and Maluku Islands are not only known as being rich and beautiful, but also very varied. The high complexity of Tanah Papua ecosystem makes the flora and fauna in Tanah Papua very diverse and unique. One of the fauna with significant role in Tanah Papua is cenderawasih, the […]
Cenderawasih’s Spectacular Dance to Lure Mate
Cenderawasih (Birds-of-paradise) are not simply known for their exotic feathers and exquisite sounds, but also their mesmerizing display. This special behavior is part of the mating rituals of the so-called birds-of-paradise. Cenderawasih males lure their mates by performing spectacular dances and displays with their appealing feathers. The most interesting fact is that only male perform […]
Conserving Cenderawasih in Malaumkarta Raya
Forests in Malaumkarta Raya, Makbon District, West Papua, are one of the habitations of birds-of-paradise or cenderawasih. The most eminent spot to watch cenderawasih is at Malagufuk, an ecotourism village. Moi Tribe dwelling in the region has local wisdom to protect cenderawasih in Malaumkarta Raya, despite the fact that cenderawasih does not only live in […]
Captivated by Enchanting Bird-of-Paradise
None doubts the beauty and appeal of bird-of-paradise. The colorful feather, its enchanting dance and beautiful chirp amidst the serenity of primary forests in Tanah Papua and Maluku Islands have mesmerized anyone. Their existence inspires many people. Moreover, many takes advantage of its existence. From Asia mainland, the appeal of bird-of-paradise reaches European mainland. The […]
Cenderawasih, a Cultural Symbol and a Chain of Life in the Wilds of Papua and Maluku
The land of Papua and the Maluku Islands is the last hope with the largest cluster of tropical rainforests in Indonesia after forests in Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi continue disappearing with massive conversion into industrial areas, settlements, public facilities and infrastructure. Both the Land of Papua and Maluku Islands are home to hundreds of thousands […]
Protecting Forest, Saving Human
Various efforts to protect primary forests in Indonesia are actually deemed collective endeavour to save human from many ecological problems so as not to vanish. Forests sustainability is one of the important factors to slow down until halt the nerve-racking global warming. CEO of EcoNusa Foundation Bustar Maitar said that forest logging or deforestation has […]
Sustainability Paradigm, Key to Save Earth
Sustainability paradigm is believed as a concept to make mankind survive on earth. It is not simply a substitute of classical economy development concept with growth orientation, but also mitigation and endeavor to halt climate change. The statement was made by Indonesian Ambassador to Norway Todung Mulya Lubis on the EcoNusa Outlook 2021 aired lively […]
Nature Destruction Triggers Ecological Disaster
Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic which has yet to decline despite the mass vaccination, Indonesia has to cope with multifarious disasters early 2021 in some regions. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) recorded 221 disasters up to 26 January 2021. Hydrometeorology disasters such as flood, landslide and hurricane, in addition to volcanic, earthquake and hightide ones, predominate the […]
Ecotourism, One of the Answers to Participatory Forest Rescue
Tropical rain forests in Indonesia shrink over time. Not much forest is left in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Forests in the Land of Papua become the last bastion that we can hope for and preserve so as not to change functions. There, the highest biodiversity in the world is: more than 20,000 plant species, 602 bird […]
