Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area Hope Spot
The rugged islands and magnificent underwater landscapes of the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA) are a reef lover’s paradise, brimming with creatures like manta rays, sunfish and turtles.
Located just a short trip from Bali, the Nusa Penida MPA covers an area of 20,057 hectares surrounding Nusa Penida and two smaller neighboring islands, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan.
For centuries, the people of the Penida Islands have lived in harmony with these waters.
In 2008, the area was identified as a site with a high livelihood dependency on marine resources and was recognized as a critical area for marine biodiversity through a rapid ecological assessment. This report translates to reality for many of the 48,000 members of traditional villages who, on a day-to-day basis, rely on the sea for their livelihoods.
A woman farming seaweed (c) Rili Djohani
Through the commitment of the Klungkung District and Bali Province governments, the Nusa Penida MPA has become renowned throughout the Coral Triangle region. In recognition, Mission Blue declared the MPA a new Hope Spot and supports the noble goal of continuing to increase management effectiveness of the area.
Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area
Goals to Amplify Conservation
For the Coral Triangle Center, manifestation of these goals means better enablement of the MPA to sustain community livelihoods and marine biodiversity. Examples of measurable outcomes of management effectiveness include level of compliance with existing regulations, socio-economic progress, improved education around marine resources, and establishment of regulations regarding the number of visitors to the MPA.
"The MPA is beneficial to the local community because the utilization of the area is managed sustainably. The community hopes to achieve balance between utilization and conservation.” – Nengah Bagus Sugiarta, Head of the Bali Province MPA Management Unit
The Nusa Penida Marine Protected area is world-famous for the unique beauty it holds.
Vibrant reefs
The area is home to nearly 300 species of coral and more than 500 species of reef fish, a few which are a new to science.
(c) Marthen Welly
Gentle giants
Based on a Marine Megafauna Foundation study, two species of manta, the oceanic manta (Mobula birostris) and reef manta (Mobula alfredi) are found within the Nusa Penida MPA. These species are currently listed as vulnerable to extinction on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species.
The real beauty of the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area is rooted in its people.
In fact, local residents participated in the planning of the MPA, and they champion reef and mangrove restoration programs on top of assisting with park management. The majority of residents around the Nusa Penida MPA are Balinese, who uphold strong cultural practices, many of which honor the ocean and the immense life it provides.
“Nusa Penida MPA is an example of how to blend of customary practices and modern scientific knowledge in marine resource management. Being one of the most visited areas in Bali, it has a unique position to inspire and influence the public to care for Indonesia and the Coral Triangle’s marine biodiversity. It serves as a gateway to go deeper into the many aspects of ocean conservation and management - from climate change impacts to coral reefs, protection of endangered, threatened and protected species, ecosystem management, community engagement, and MPA zoning implementation, amongst others,” said Sugiarta.
The Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area Hope Spot has the potential to inspire thousands of tourists, students and the entire world as a Coral Triangle Center learning site, exemplifying how marine protected areas in Indonesia can be collaboratively established and effectively managed through the joint efforts of communities, businesses, NGOs and governments.
Rili Djohani, Coral Triangle Center Executive Director explains, “At the Coral Triangle Center, we believe in inspiring people to take concrete action to save our oceans and at the same time build capacity and provide the tools needed to enable those on the frontlines to implement effective conservation actions that impact not just the marine ecosystem but also the people who depend on them. Nusa Penida MPA is an example of how effective marine conservation can positively impact the environment, the people and the economy.”
About the Coral Triangle Center
Coral Triangle Center is a foundation based in Bali with a regional scope and global impact. CTC works closely with local communities, private sector, governments, and partners to strengthen marine resource management in the Coral Triangle to protect coral reef ecosystems, ensure sustainable livelihoods, and food security. CTC supports on-the-ground conservation in Nusa Penida in Bali, Banda Islands in Maluku, and Atauro in Timor-Leste. CTC is developing its Center for Marine Conservation in Bali, an integrated learning space for training programs, outreach activities, and artistic and cultural performances to influence millions of people to care for our oceans and those that depend on it. CTC leads regional learning networks of women leaders, local government executives and marine protected area practitioners in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste. CTC is also a certified training center of the Government of Indonesia and an official partner of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security.
