From August to September 2024, the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) collaborated with the consultancy firm Eco Africa, to conduct a comprehensive sustainable marine tourism development study focused on the marine protected areas (MPAs) in Raja Ampat and Alor, Indonesia, part of the Indonesia Oceans for Prosperity (LAUTRA) Project, funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. The study aims to provide an in-depth analysis of sustainable tourism opportunities and address challenges faced by local tourism businesses.

The study’s primary objective is to design a technical assistance package to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) operating within these MPAs. It focuses on ensuring that tourism enterprises adopt sustainable practices aligned with MPA management plans, while improving their access to financial resources to make them viable, bankable businesses.

To achieve this, CTC and Eco Africa reviewed lessons learned from past initiatives in Indonesia supporting sustainable, nature-positive tourism businesses around MPAs. They assessed market conditions at each site, identified potential pipelines for marine tourism MSMEs, and evaluated their bankability within the framework of MPA management plans. Additionally, the consultant will identify relevant capital providers, including financial intermediaries and assess their readiness to engage with the identified pipelines. Based on these assessments, the consultant will offer recommendations on the necessary technical assistance to bridge the gap between MSMEs and financial intermediaries, ensuring alignment with MPA management plans and leveraging lessons from past initiatives.

This initiative contributes to Indonesia’s broader sustainable tourism strategy by providing essential information for policy-making and strengthening governance in marine tourism. By supporting the growth of skilled and competitive MSMEs, the project enhances Indonesia’s ability to protect its marine and cultural assets while creating economic opportunities for local communities in MPAs.

Photos: Rili Djohani/CTC, Evi Ihsan/CTC, Eureka Amadea/CTC