The Coral Triangle Center (CTC) continues to play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of Marine Protected Area (MPA) management in Indonesia. Recently, CTC supported the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) in conducting a series of evaluations of MPA effectiveness in Bali, Maluku, and West Java using the EVIKA tool. In addition to the MMAF and CTC, evaluators included team members from the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime & Investment Affairs (KEMENKOMARVES) and other non-governmental organizations.

The EVIKA tool was adopted by the MMAF in 2020 as the primary framework for assessing whether MPAs are effectively achieving their conservation goals. EVIKA categorizes MPAs into three levels based on their management effectiveness: bronze, silver, and gold.

– **Bronze** (score below 50%): Indicates minimal management, where basic designs and management practices are in place but further efforts are needed to meet conservation objectives.

– **Silver** (score of 50-85%): Reflects optimal management, where functions are adaptive and several objectives have been met.

– **Gold** (score above 85%): Demonstrates sustainable management, where the benefits of the MPA are experienced by the wider community.

The EVIKA assessment in Bali evaluated four MPAs: Nusa Penida, Teluk Benoa, Buleleng, and Karangasem. The evaluation team included representatives from Kemenkomarves, MMAF, and CTC. A field visit to Nusa Penida and Karangasem was also conducted. The assessment results showed that Nusa Penida MPA achieved a gold score, while the three other MPAs received bronze scores.

The Nusa Penida MPA’s achievement of a gold score is particularly noteworthy, marking the culmination of years of hard work by CTC and its partners. This success sets a foundation for Nusa Penida to potentially achieve IUCN Green List status, a prestigious recognition in global conservation. Despite reaching a gold score, the evaluation team also provided recommendations for further improvement, including enhancing staff competence, increasing stakeholder outreach, securing additional funding, and fostering stronger partnerships with local communities and the private sector.

In Maluku Province, CTC supported the assessment of 11 provincial and 2 national MPAs. Nine MPAs showed improvement, while two remained the same, and two experienced slight declines in scores. Significant improvements were observed in MPAs supported by CTC, such as Lease Islands, Ay-Rhun Islands, and Buano Island MPAs, all of which achieved silver status, improving from their previous bronze scores. The evaluators also provided key recommendations for improving MPA management in Maluku, including finalizing management plans, improving human resource competencies, increasing budgets, upgrading infrastructure, and completing management SOPs.

In addition to Bali and Maluku, CTC also participated in the EVIKA assessments in West Java, which covered Pangumbahan, Pangandaran, and Biawak Island MPAs. The evaluation was attended by representatives from regional fisheries agencies, the navy, marine police, and local community groups. Pangumbahan MPA achieved gold status, Pangandaran MPA received silver status, while Biawak Island received a bronze score.

The ongoing assessments and improvements across Indonesia’s MPAs underscore the importance of adaptive management and continuous learning. With the active involvement of CTC, the Indonesian government, and local communities, these MPAs are gradually improving their effectiveness, contributing to the long-term sustainability of marine resources and livelihoods.

Photos: Evi Ihsan/CTC, Adam Putra/CTC