Indonesia is the largest archipelagic nation in the world with 17,504 islands, a coastline of 108,000 km, and 15.8% (27,255 km2) of the world’s coral reefs. Its economy and food security for the majority of its 270 million people are closely linked to marine and coastal resources.
La Nafsahu is a local leader dedicated and committed to advocate Waisum community to protect their marine resources. He is one of USAID SEA Project’s Pejuang Laut (Champion of the Sea). His dedication toward marine conservation serves as a beacon of light to many.
Amir Mukadar sat in the corner of Juanga Village Office. People greeted him with big smiles and jokes in the Maluku way. A leader of a POKMASWAS (Community-based Surveillance Group) since 2014, Amir is always enthusiastic at marine conservation awareness meetings.
Sea turtles have been living in Fatkauyon undisturbed for hundreds of years. However, in the last 20 years as the local village population grew, some villagers have started to disturb the sea turtle’s nesting grounds. Villagers were tempted to trade sea turtles and its eggs to earn money.
