T

he Mamberamo Raya regency administration in Papua plans to develop the region and gain income without damaging the environment.

“The regency administration can earn an income without sacrificing the forest, and the residents can get food without damaging the forest,” said Mamberamo Raya Regent Demianus Kyew Kyew in Kasonaweja, Mamberamo Raya, on the sidelines of an event to mark the signing of an agreement between his administration, the Papua provincial administration and the USAID-IFACS (Indonesia Forest and Climate Support) program on May 24.

The agreement, signed by Demianus and USAID chief of party Peter E. Hetz, outlines several areas of cooperation in curbing deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as protecting the forest and its wildlife.

The IFACS program is designed to protect and improve elements of the ecosystem, such as water quality, reduce erosion and absorb carbon dioxide while supporting economic development and improving food security.

According to Hetz, Mamberamo Ray has been picked for the IFACS program because the regency administration has demonstrated a commitment to developing the area without damaging the forest and its resources.

Prior to IFACS’ involvement, the Mamberamo Raya regency administration had designed a spatial management plan and an environmental conservation development program as the area is home to the 2 million-hectare Pegunungan Foja Wildlife Refuge Park, which was established by a Forestry Ministery decree.

The Ronald Petocz survey in 1987 found that the wildlife refuge was home to 332 bird and 80 mammal species.

A study conducted in 2008 by the Conservation International’s rapid assessment program discovered new species, such as the golden fur kangaroo (Dendrolagus pulcherrimus) and the long-nosed frog (Litoria sp. nov.).

The central government had earlier planned to build a hydro-power plant along the Mamberamo River, which stretches for 670 kilometers, but no action has yet been taken.

Mount Fodja, standing at 2,164 meters above sea level, towers over the thick forests that dominate Mamberamo Raya regency.

The regency sprawls over 31,136 square kilometers but is only inhabited by 18,365 people, according to the 2010 census.

Mamberamo Raya gained its autonomy from Sarmi and Waropen regencies in March 2007, based on Law No. 19/2007, and has since been working on the twin tasks of economic development and environmental conservation.

The cooperation between USAID-IFACS and Mamberamo Raya has obtained full support from the local legislature.

“I support the cooperation as it helps the people to protect the forest in Mamberamo despite the development activities,” said Mamberamo Raya regency council speaker Yohanis Salomon.