Raja Ampat took 20 years to achieve a 109% increase in the fish biomass of its reefs. New nickel mining concessions, granted in 2025 to three islands in the region, could reverse this progress in much less time. Located in eastern Indonesia, this archipelago is renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity, home to sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles in unique coral formations. This setting attracts divers from around the world and is considered a global model for ocean conservation.
Since 2003, coordinated efforts between local leaders and environmental groups have resulted in the establishment of marine protected areas covering 2 million hectares. However, the growing pressure from nickel mining threatens these advancements. Nickel is essential for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy infrastructure, and Indonesia holds about 43% of the world’s reserves. Mining, however, threatens not only biodiversity but also the local economy based on fishing and tourism.
The new concessions have been granted on islands north of Raja Ampat, some located within a UNESCO Global Geopark and near important diving sites. Mining could cause irreparable damage to coral reefs, which are crucial for marine life and tourism. The steep geography of the islands and high rainfall increase the risk of sediments from mining areas being washed into the sea, further harming the corals.
Tourism, which has already brought significant economic benefits, also exerts pressure on the ecosystem. Data indicates that 95% of the 42,000 annual visitors are foreigners, many of whom use long-range boats that contribute to reef degradation through anchoring and waste disposal.
To address these challenges, authorities are considering implementing mooring systems and restrictions on the number of boats. The environmental impact is already visible, with waters once crystal clear now filled with jellyfish and plastic waste. According to Capital Gazette, the conservation of Raja Ampat is vital not only for biodiversity but also for preserving genetic diversity that could be crucial for adapting to climate change.
The loss of ecosystems represents not only the loss of species but also valuable evolutionary information that could be key to facing future environmental challenges. Protecting this natural heritage is essential to ensuring the ecological and economic resilience of the region.
Original published at O Cafezinho.