Picture of the Mangrove Tourism Village in Pajukukang Village by Shahzada Surya Ramadan

Collaboration within Climate Uncertainties: Visiting Pajukukang

Collaboration within Climate Uncertainties: Visiting Pajukukang

The implementation of biodiversity payments in Pajukukang Village can also encourage collaboration between local government, communities and the private sector. This collaboration is important to develop and implement best practices that support environmental sustainability while increasing community income. For example, mangrove restoration projects can be integrated with ecotourism programs that utilize natural beauty to attract tourists, which in turn can boost the local economy. In addition, with support from international funding mechanisms, the village can access the resources needed to initiate and manage conservation programs, while ensuring equitable distribution of the resulting benefits. Thus, Pajukukang Village can serve as a model for other coastal areas in utilizing biodiversity payments to achieve sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Complexities of biodiversity payments.

This article explores the complexities of implementing biodiversity payments in areas where the environment has suffered significant damage. It delves into the economic, ecological, and social implications of these payments, examining how they can serve as a catalyst for environmental recovery while also addressing the financial needs of communities affected by environmental destruction. Through case studies and analysis, we aim to shed light on the challenges and opportunities associated with biodiversity payments, offering a comprehensive view of how this innovative approach can contribute to global efforts toward sustainable development and environmental conservation. 

Building on this foundation, the article further examines the practical aspects of implementing biodiversity payments in regions suffering from extensive environmental damage. It discusses the criteria for determining the value of biodiversity loss and the methodologies for calculating compensation. The piece also explores the role of international cooperation and funding mechanisms in facilitating the distribution of biodiversity payments, highlighting the importance of equitable sharing of both costs and benefits among countries. Case studies from around the globe illustrate the successes and challenges encountered in the application of biodiversity payments, providing valuable insights into the factors that contribute to effective implementation. Ultimately, the article aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on environmental finance, offering recommendations for policymakers and practitioners on how to leverage biodiversity payments as a tool for promoting ecological restoration and sustainable development. 

Balancing the policies and its application

One of the perceived challenges now is balancing policies to provide effective protection for the conservation of the three marine ecosystems (coral reef ecosystem, seagrass ecosystem, and mangrove ecosystem) while continuing to promote global development. This creates conflict, as the government needs to conserve the marine environment while also promoting the development and welfare of coastal communities. Current regulations are inadequate in providing strict sanctions against those who damage marine ecosystems, so damage continues to occur. Therefore, there is a need for legislation that contains strict sanctions for perpetrators of marine ecosystem destruction. Law enforcement has not yet provided adequate sanctions for violators of these regulations. The application of biodiversity compensation payments for damage to the marine environment can be one solution to encourage the preservation of biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. With the obligation to pay compensation for the damage caused, it is expected to foster public awareness and concern for protecting the marine environment.

The Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) system in Indonesia has been formed. PES is a mechanism that provides incentives to the community to maintain biodiversity and ecosystems. With the existence of PES, it can indirectly form the character of the community towards the environment (concern for the environment). Not only that, the community can also obtain economic benefits. “sustainable environment, fulfilled community”.

How an innovative approach could contribute.

Innovative approaches such as biodiversity payments have great potential in contributing to global efforts towards sustainable development and environmental conservation, especially in coastal areas such as Pajukukang Village in Maros Regency. This village, which relies heavily on marine fisheries and ponds, can utilize this payment scheme to protect their coastal ecosystem while improving community welfare. By enforcing compensation payments for environmental damage, communities and industry players can be incentivized to adopt more environmentally friendly practices. For example, sustainable and environmentally-friendly pond management can be encouraged through financial incentives, thereby minimizing negative impacts on marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves. However, the implementation of biodiversity payments faces several challenges. First, there is often a lack of awareness and understanding of the value of biodiversity among policy makers and the public. Additionally, ecosystem complexity makes it difficult to accurately measure biodiversity benefits. Additionally, the distribution of benefits from biodiversity payments is uneven, often favoring wealthy landowners and ignoring poorer communities who rely heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods. This inequality can lead to conflict and weaken conservation efforts.

 

Alphabetically written by: Takwin. F. A., Haerullah. K. N. A., Hamzah. S. D., Ramadhani. A. R., and Christine. P. A. S.

Editor: Elmita Ayusyifa

This article was produced by IFSA LC UNHAS’ Workshop and Webinar Sub-Commission during the Sustainable Coastal Socio-ecological System: Shifting towards a Comprehensive Silvo-aquaculture Practices workshop that was held in Pajukukang Urban Village, Maros on 25 July 2024.


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