History
West Papua Province plans to organize International Conference on Biodiversity, Ecotourism and Creative Economy (ICBE). ICBE is the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development) which contains 17 goals and 169 targets, where biodiversity is given serious attention especially to goals 14 and 15. As part of a global community that has jointly committed to managing and conserving biodiversity for the welfare of mankind.
Starting from the follow-up to the recommendations of previous international conferences held in Jayapura, Papua Province 2016 (ICBE 2016 – International Conference on Biodiversity, Eco-Tourism and Creative Economy 2016) ago, it is important to organize the same meeting by prioritizing and explore the potential and excellence of West Papua Province to support sustainable development in West Papua in particular and Land of Papua in general. It will also contribute to the national interests of Indonesia and globally for the sincerity of humanity.
As the largest island in Indonesia, Papua is divided into two Provincial Governments administratively, namely Papua Province with an area of 319,036 km2 and West Papua Province with an area of 140,376 km2. The land which also known as the second largest island in the world, is endowed with a wealth of natural and incredible ecosystem diversity, including forests, beaches, coral reefs, lakes and rivers, as well as tropical glaciers. Papua’s biodiversity is half the total number of Indonesia’s biodiversity, there are many endemic flora and fauna that can only be found in this Land. Not only that, the Land of Papua is also rich in natural resources in the form of minerals, oil, and gas, in addition to the cultural customs, recorded around 265 local languages that symbolize the tribes that exist with the local wisdom.
Even though Papua is very rich, the level of poverty in Papua is among the highest in Indonesia. Economic development in Papua is and will continue to be driven to improve the economy and finance development activities in the hope that through this activity can improve the welfare and life expectancy of the people in Papua. The limitations or the underdeveloped services and other sectors, encourage the government to utilize natural resources as the main capital of economic development. Thus, any efforts to increase the economy will have a direct impact on the natural resource utilization, such as causing some damages and environmental pollution.
It is therefore necessary to undertake a joint and comprehensive effort to determine plans for the realization of the Land of Papua into Safe, Prosperous and Dignified that can provide protection for biodiversity and the wise use of natural resources.
Traditional fishermen in the Dampir Strait KKPD
Why is it Important to Attend?
ICBE 2018 introduces the concept and initiative of the Conservation Province as a smart solution of sustainable development in the land of Papua globally. The concept that supports the improvement of people’s welfare through the conservation of biodiversity, the utilization of environmental services, the creative economy and the increase of community participation. On October 19, 2015, West Papua Province has declared itself as a Conservation Province, which aims to ensure the conservation of biodiversity and natural resource management to support people’s lives, which is nothing but sustainable development.
The concept of Conservation Province is the first ever in the world. The concept of balancing the management of economic, social and environmental aspects together, and this policy set out a government framework that supports economic and social development leading to the welfare of indigenous peoples. At the same time, it also avoids environmental degradation and safeguards biodiversity.
ICBE 2018 will be the most important and historic. Not just scientifically and policy speaking; the conference will discuss the utilization of environmental services and creative economy by involving indigenous people in the preservation and utilization of natural resources by carrying the concept of Conservation Province. This is coupled with the inclusion of elements of a sustainable financing strategy; ICBE will be a venue for scientists, students, policy makers, educators, and other environmental professionals from around the world.
Seka dance from Napiti Tribe
Who is the Participants?
It is expected that there will be 750 participants from Indonesia and international, combining professionals from the private sector, academics, both the central and local governments, individual researchers / experts, research institutions, non-governmental organizations, practitioners, indigenous peoples and churches, and participants from various backgrounds including students.
Waraia 