Marine Protected Area Zoning

To balance multiple objectives — such as biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries — Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) often spatially divide their area into distinct zones with different permitted/ allowed activities. Here we provide an overview of MPA zonation in Indonesia, reviewing the different types of zones implemented and the process by which zonation is implemented and revised. Based on available zonation plans, we find that 4% of the overall Indonesian MPA area is designated as a “Core Zone” where fishing is restricted. However, the extent of non-extractive area for these MPAs increases to approximately 11% after accounting for all non-extractive zones (e.g. Core Zones, Protection Zones, and Tourism Zones). We discuss challenges in the MPA zonation process for Indonesia and MPAs more generally, including recommended targets for non-extractive area, compliance, balancing the need of local communities, and considerations around power dynamics when conducting zonation. With MPAs used as a tool to increase sustainable fisheries management, addressing these challenges is key to securing the future of MPAs in Indonesia and globally.