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WCS researchers for the Wildlife Conservation Society have found that co-management plans and incentives in Indonesia’s Karimunjawa National Park help improve the livelihoods of communities and achieve conservation objectives. For instance, economic incentives to local fishers through assistance with fish mariculture techniques and equipment has helped improve acceptance of conservation strategies in the park. (Photo by: Ripanto/WCS Indonesia Program)

There is no question that the Earth is changing and that humans are the ones responsible. In the age of the humans, or Anthropocene era, biodiversity has declined, CO2 levels have risen and climate change has the potential to have dire consequences.

Research shows that coastal communities, especially small island countries are most at risk for these effects of climate change such as sea level rise and increased ocean acidity which can result in fishery decline.

But, with the right management, these communities can soften the blow of climate change and keep their fisheries sustainable for future generations. A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society and the University of Western Australia shows that fishing communities in Indonesia have done just that, and their practices could serve as a potential model to other small island countries. Continue reading →

Tags: biodiversity, climate change, coastal communities, fishery decline, fishery management, Indonesia, Irfan Yulianto, Julian Clifton, marine conservation, marine life, marine policy, ocean acidity, overexploitation, Rian Prasetia, Stuart J. Campbell, sustainable living, Tasrif Kartawijaya, University of Western Australia, Wildlife Conservation Society