The Malaumkarta Raya community safeguards its natural wealth through egek, a traditional conservation practice that restricts resource extraction within a designated period. This sustainable approach has helped preserve the ecosystem, making it a key attraction for ecotourism in Sorong, Southwest Papua.
To support these efforts, the EcoNusa Foundation organized the Biodiversity and Nature-Based Tourism Potential Mapping Survey Training on February 10-12, 2025, attended by 35 participants from five villages in Malaumkarta Raya. The training provided technical skills in GPS usage, Smart Patrol methods, and ArcGIS and ArcMap-based mapping, along with field practice to document biodiversity and ecotourism potential.
Beyond technical capacity building, the training also served as a platform for discussions on developing an action plan for forest protection and community-based ecotourism management. With EcoNusa’s support, the community is now equipped with the knowledge and skills to preserve their ecosystem while fostering a sustainable nature-based economy.
Text: Rievki | Photos: Ningsih Damaris