Researchers are working with communities to study the reefs of Indonesia’s “Coral Triangle” under threat from population pressure and climate change.
Wallacea, a mega-biodiverse chain of islands in Sulawesi, the Moluccas, and Lesser Sunda in Indonesia and Timor Leste, also has a growing population of over 33 million people.
Cilun Djakiman, a marine biologist at Pattimura University in Ambon, Indonesia says there are over 400 species of coral found in the Wallacea region, with some of them found nowhere else.
“Preserving the Wallacea region with its high biodiversity could enhance the resilience of coral reef ecosystems, as some corals possess unique adaptations to climate change,” she says, adding that some heat-tolerant corals, such as Porites, are more resilient to temperature stress and bleaching, which requires more in-depth study.
Djakiman explains that since 2019, her work has primarily focused on coral reef ecosystems and her first project, the Wallacea project, contributed new foundational data; enhanced understanding, and informed effective management of the Wallacea region’s biodiversity and ecosystems.
“This work balances the need for conservation with economic development, supporting the region’s social and economic stability,” she says, “However, current management strategies often target reefs less exposed to thermal stress while overlooking biological and socio-economic adaptation.”
Currently, Djakiman is working on the Climate REEFS project, funded by the UK-Canada Climate Adaptation and Resilience Initiative, focused on advancing knowledge and understanding the impacts of climate change on coastal communities in Indonesia.
“Specifically, we aim to identify socially equitable climate change adaptation pathways to help these communities navigate the challenges posed by climate change,” she says, adding that the project identifies adaptive reefs using satellite data, analyzing reef structure and thermal patterns to predict biodiversity and genomic diversity, while assessing the vulnerabilities of locals, particularly women and marginalized groups.
“My role involves conducting ecological surveys to assess coral health in Indonesia and performing genomic analyses to study coral genomic diversity,” she says, “Our research is essential for promoting resilience and sustainability in coastal areas, safeguarding both livelihoods and the rich marine biodiversity upon which many communities depend.”
Djakiman explains that global collaboration in this project brings opportunities for local universities, especially in areas like eastern Indonesia, which are vulnerable to climate change and currently have limited capacities to tackle these challenges.
“Early-career scientists like me can engage in collaborative research, fostering international collaboration and information sharing.” she says.
This is important on UN World Oceans Day, which aims to catalyze collective action for a healthy ocean and a stable climate, is designated for 8 June, (with the 2024 event celebrated on 7 June.)
Ambitions From Ambon
Djakiman was born and raised as the daughter of a fisherman on the small island of Ambon, a biodiversity hotspot located in the heart of the Coral Triangle.
“My house is right by the ocean, and my first encounter with its beauty and diversity sparked a deep curiosity and desire to understand and protect the oceans, she says, “As a fishing family, our life heavily relies on healthy ecosystems, especially coral reefs that are vital to marine biodiversity and ecosystem services.”
She would go on to complete an undergraduate marine science degree at Pattimura University in Indonesia; a master’s degree in global conservation science at the University of Leeds in the UK and she is now affiliated with the Maritime and Marine Science Center of Excellence at Pattimura University in Indonesia.
Djakiman explains that most of the biodiversity hotspots are in Global South countries, where sustainable initiatives are crucial.
“I believe that for these initiatives to succeed, they must be led by scientists from the region who understand the unique challenges and contexts of their areas,” she says, “This approach fosters a sense of ownership and ensures that locally driven solutions contribute to addressing global issues.”
Djakiman also feel there is a key role for women in the future of Indonesian marine science.
“As an Indonesian woman, I feel empowered by the responsibility and ownership that come with participating in marine research, particularly on coral reefs,” she says, “This empowerment can inspire many young girls in Indonesia to pursue careers in marine science, fostering a collective effort to tackle environmental problems effectively.”
Saving Indonesia’s Horseshoe Crabs
Elsewhere in Indonesia, Rafly Zhulkifly, co-founder at the Indonesia Horseshoe Crab Project (Yayasan Sahabat Belangkas Nusantara), is working with grassroots conservationists to preserve the horseshoe crab, an otherworldly, marine living fossil.
“These ancient sea creatures, protected by Indonesian law as living fossils, are really special and have been around for almost 500 million years,” he says, “Unlike in the US, where they’re used for blood harvesting, that doesn’t happen in Indonesia.”
Zhulkifly warns that the species, vital to coastal ecosystems, are still in danger from things like illegal trading, getting caught accidentally, losing their natural habitat, and pollution, which is making their numbers drop.
“Losing them would not only be a loss for Indonesia but also for the planet because they play a big part in keeping our oceans balanced,” he says, “So, it’s super important to do what we can to protect them, like getting more people involved in keeping an eye on them and making sure fishing practices are sustainable.
