JakartaPost-July 1
Nickel mining in Raja Ampat, a renowned tourist destination in Southwest Papua, may further endanger the survival of the rare Papuan blue orchid, according to an environmental expert from Bogor Agricultural University (IPB). The blue orchid (Dendrobium azureum Schuit) is a rare and endemic species found exclusively in Raja Ampat’s Waigeo Island Nature Reserve. It has brilliant blue to violet-blue petals, an exceptionally rare coloration among orchids, making it both visually striking and botanically significant. The species has been classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, and its population has continued to decline due to deforestation and collection by plant traders. Agus Hikmat, a plant conservation expert at IPB, warned that although there is no nickel mining occurring directly on Waigeo Island, the environmental impacts from mining activities elsewhere in Raja Ampat could eventually reach the island, posing a threat to the already vulnerable blue orchid. Agus urged the government to provide stronger protection for the blue orchid by adding it to the Environment Ministry’s list of protected species. Once included, anyone who harvests, cuts down, owns, damages, destroys, cultivates, transports or trades the protected plant or any of its parts may face fines and imprisonment. “The blue orchid is truly special because it is found only on Waigeo Island and nowhere else in the world. It needs serious protection to ensure its survival, which requires attention and conservation efforts from all stakeholders,” he said. Raja Ampat in Southwest Papua sits in the Coral Triangle and is thought to be one of the world’s most pristine reef areas, with its clear blue waters making it a popular diving spot. Home to 75 percent of the world’s coral species and over 2,500 fish species, Raja Ampat is a UNESCO Global Geopark. Last month, the government faced massive public scrutiny after environmental group Greenpeace Indonesia revealed that nickel mining on the Raja Ampat islands of Gag, Kawe and Manuran had destroyed more than 500 hectares of forest and vegetation.
