Provinsi Konservasi / The jewel in the crown of biodiversity

West Papua’s waters harbor rich biodiversity, including giant manta rays · John Weller

In the margins between the land and sea, the world’s greatest mangrove forest rises up from the shallow bays.

The West Papuan rainforest is one of the largest forests in the world still intact · John Weller

Ridge to reef, West Papua is the vital crown jewel of biodiversity.

“Hidden in the understory, exquisite aliens—the birds of paradise—meticulously maintain secret dance floors, transforming themselves into near fictional creatures in the throes of their passion.” · John Weller

From dawn to dusk, West Papua shows it role as a vast center of nature and life on Earth · John Weller

Haji was talking urgently, leaning into his story, emphasizing again and again that the future health of his small community depends on conserving the marine ecosystem.

More than a thousand years ago, the people of West Papua developed sustainable conservation practices for their natural resources · John Weller

“Sasi,” said Tahir Arfan, “is a vow that we make to the sea, a vow that we make to the land.”

A man from West Papua hollows out a tree in the rainforest · John Weller

The Guardians of Raja Ampat film and concert tour traveled to towns and villages across West Papua · Shawn Heinrichs

The entire community cheered as they raised a large sign into place — a map declaring the new Fam Islands MPA, the eighth marine protected area in Raja Ampat, yet another “vow to the sea.”

The communities of the Fam Islands raise a sign in recognition of the new protected area · Shawn Heinrichs

West Papua’s Provinsi Konservasi legislations mandates that all industry be sustainable, including fishing · John Weller

The solutions being devised will affect not only West Papua, but our global community. This visionary legislation, rooted in ancient wisdom, is a blueprint for the future.

Contributors

John Weller

Photographer, Writer, Filmmaker, Senior Fellow of Only One

An acclaimed photographer, filmmaker, and writer, John has worked in defense of the ocean for nearly 20 years. He helped lead the global campaign to secure the world’s largest marine protected area in the Ross Sea, Antarctica.

Videos

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The Faroe Islands Hunt: A Deep Dive into Ethics, Health, and the Environment

Join Only One in an important deep dive about the Grind alongside health, science, and conservation experts.

Event·59:00

Science in Antarctica: Only One’s new film series premiere

Watch the captivating new film series by Only One, which takes you deep into the heart of this pristine wilderness, showcasing its beauty and the urgent need for its protection.

Event·59:00

Behind the Lens with Oceanographic Magazine

Exploring the stories behind the most impressive ocean photography

Event·1:08:00

Projects

Strengthening storm recovery and resilience in The Bahamas

In the largest regeneration effort in the country’s history, local communities are restoring vast swaths of mangrove forests devastated by Hurricane Dorian, aiming to protect the coastline and sustain vital fisheries.

Project·9 min read

Preserving lowland peat swamp forests and mangroves in Indonesian Borneo

Village communities are saving forests and wetlands that are one of the largest natural carbon stores in the world, as well as protecting and rehabilitating critically endangered orangutans.

Project·8 min read

Revitalizing coral reef infrastructure in Indonesia

Marine biologists, students, local community members, and tourists are planting 30,000 corals to fortify reefs and restore critical coastal ecosystems.

Project·7 min read