In the margins between the land and sea, the world’s greatest mangrove forest rises up from the shallow bays.
Ridge to reef, West Papua is the vital crown jewel of biodiversity.
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.
“Sasi,” said Tahir Arfan, “is a vow that we make to the sea, a vow that we make to the land.”
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 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.