Image Above: Inside an anchovy warehouse on Kalis island, off the coast of Misool Island
Limalas Village, Misool Island, Raja Ampat, Indonesia - The Atap Langit Foundation (YEAL) conducted its preliminary risk and vulnerability assessment to understand the socioeconomic and environmental conditions of the people of Limalas Village. The results provide a comprehensive picture of life in the coastal village: peaceful and harmonious in the face of several economic and environmental challenges.
Harmony and Tradition
The peaceful atmosphere in Limalas Village is as clear as the waters of Raja Ampat. This coastal village is inhabited predominantly by the Matbat tribe who are the natives of Misool Island. Nonetheless, the Matbat people has lived side by side with other tribes for decades and has maintained peaceful relations with them. This strong familial bond displayed by the whole community has persisted despite facing economic struggles and environmental challenges throughout the years. The traditional lifestyle which relies on natural resources is an integral part of their daily lives and continues to this present day.
Image Above: A respectful dialogue with the people of Limalas Village
The True Wealth of Misool's Coastal Villages
While socioeconomic metrics may show a severe deficit in wealth and education, the abundance of natural resources and cultural heritage are the true wealth of the people of Limalas Village. It is not an exaggeration to call their mangrove forests as some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Seas full of fish produce, forests that provide a variety of plants, and fertile soil are the main ecological foundations of the lives of the people in this area. However, as Indonesia develops toward urbanizing Papua, this wealth is in danger of degradation. Fortunately, the community has taken notice and recognizes that steps need to be taken in order to protect and preserve both their environmental wealth and cultural wealth.