Bunaken National Marine Park, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Bunaken National Marine Park (BNMP) is among the worldʼs most diverse and spectacular marine ecosystems, hosting a variety of aquatic life including several endangered species. Situated in Indonesiaʼs North Sulawesi Province, this 79,056 hectare marine park and world famous diving destination is also home to 30,000 residents. While surrounded by astounding natural resources, BNMPʼs residents have been faced with increasing challenges to their lives and livelihoods while the park has witnessed periods of increased ecological degradation over the last two decades. Grassroots advocacy and conservation management reform has been critical in averting ecological demise, however the threats of degradation remain very real today. The parkʼs resident fishers, farmers and tourist industry stakeholders are forced to deal with the reality of competing for the parkʼs scarce resources. The future remains uncertain for the parkʼs residents, particularly its next generation; limited education and undesirable livelihood opportunities have led many to seek opportunities outside the park at the unfortunate cost of cultural preservation. Faced with an uncertain future, BNMP is at a crossroads. Creating options for sustainable livelihoods and building the capacity of its next generation of caretakers will be key to maintaining the course of BNMP towards ecological and economic stability.
