Protected areas need appropriate management and collaboration between the Indonesian government and local people to be effective. In many cases, protected areas still suffer from illegal logging, hunting and habitat degradation due to ineffective management and law enforcement.

Sulawesi

Eleven areas of genetic endemism have been identified in Sulawesi. This supports the idea that Sulawesi was once an island archipelago, which joined together over thousands of years to form a single landmass. It has therefore been suggested that each of these areas should be targeted for conservation, as they contain unique genetic resources. Currently, several areas of genetic endemism including Southwest, East Central and Northwest Sulawesi have little protection. However, there have been recent proposals for the establishment of protected areas in these regions, which would therefore complement biodiversity in existing reserves.

The conservation organisation Operation Wallacea is active in the region. Operation Wallacea involves scientists, researchers and volunteers who work with the local community to assist conservation efforts and carry out field research. The organisations primary aims in Wallacea are 1) Conservation of the Lambusango forests in central Buton Island and 2) Protection of coral reefs and establishment of a sustainable fishery around Kaledupa Island in the Wakatobi National Park.

Wallacea in context

Compared to other hotspots, Wallacea has much of its primary habitat intact. However, to protect the large number of endemic species and unique ecosystems, much conservation effort is needed in the immediate and long-term future. International financial support, along with cooperation between the Indonesian government and local people are required for effective conservation of biodiversity in Wallacea.

Protected areas in Sulawesi: yellow areas indicate protected areas.