Provinsi Konservasi
“The Provinsi Konservasi Initiative in West Papua, Indonesia is visionary. It will ensure sustainable industries, set aside massive reserves to protect West Papua’s land and ocean, and return resource rights to indigenous people. And West Papua is a global jewel. It has the world’s richest reefs, the world’s largest mangrove forest, and the world’s second largest rainforest.
We devoted nearly 3 years of our lives to making our documentary film and developing a campaign to support this incredible movement. Then, working with Conservation International, regency and provincial governments, and the iconic Papuan singer Edo Kondologit, we brought this film to audiences all over West Papua on our outdoor cinema.
Twenty-five thousand people came out to six events. In each place we also held a daylong workshop for local leaders, and more 700 signed a letter of support for Provinsi Konservasi. Finally, we had a special meeting with key members of the West Papuan Parliament, and they committed to passing this profound legislation.
They asked us specifically to demonstrate public support for Provinsi Konservasi. That is where you come in. We need you to raise your voice. We need to show the Parliament the global support for protecting one of the world’s last great places. Please, please sign the petition. We are so close. Your voice will be heard on the floor of the West Papuan Parliament. Throw your fist into the air and declare “Aku Papua” – “I am Papua.” And you will be part of this history. “
“In their latest film ‘Provinsi Konservasi’ (Conservation Province), filmmakers John Weller and Shawn Heinrichs take us on a journey to West Papua, one of the most pristine and biodiverse hotspots on earth. Home the world’s largest mangrove forests, the world’s second largest rainforest, and the world’s most biodiverse reefs, reef-to-ridge West Papua is second to none. However, the influx of palm oil, logging, mining, poorly-planned development, overfishing, destructive fishing, and the illegal wildlife trade are all threatening to irreversibly harm this magnificent place, and the many indigenous peoples that call it home. In the face of these seeming insurmountable threats, the government and community of West Papua have haven joined together to stand in defense of their natural treasures. The fate of West Papua now rests in the adoption and implementation of pioneering legislation that would establish all of West Papua as a conservation province.”
