Towards sustainable marine and coastal planning for Taka Bonerate Kepulauan Selayar Biosphere Reserve: Indonesian case study to the Global Challenge Research Fund Blue Communities Project

Abstract

Global Challenge Research Fund (GCRF) Blue Communities is a 4 year research and capacity building project for sustainable interactions with marine ecosystems for the benefit of the health, wellbeing, food security and livelihoods of coastal communities in East and South East Asia. Kepulauan Selayar (Selayar Islands), including Taka Bonerate as a Biosphere Reserve and part of the UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) Network has been selected as a case study site for the GCRF Blue Communities project in Indonesia. A single case study approach with mixed methods are used to generate knowledge, identify knowledge gap, and triangulate findings. The ongoing research has collated up-to-date knowledge on: (1) current natural resources management strategy in place and what should be adopted in the future and (2) current and projected profile of energy demand-supply. In the next phases of delivery it will inform policy makers and implementers of the mechanisms to optimise sustainable livelihood strategies by: (1) accelerating positive contributions toward sustainable livelihood and (2) mitigating and preventing threats and pressures to sustainable livelihood. Finally it puts forwards strategic recommendations for decision making points which are evidenced-based and holistic, encompassing: (1) best practice policy for sustainable livelihood and (2) community empowerment and programme sustainability.