Introduction:

The Banda Archipelago is comprised of 9 small islands located in the Maluku province of eastern Indonesia (see map). As these islands were originally the world's sole source of the valuable spices nutmeg and mace, they have attracted traders from around the globe for thousands of years. By the 16th century, Portuguese and Dutch colonists arrived, and after massacring or enslaving much of the original population, converted the islands into a plantation economy, worked by slaves from all over Asia.

After the price of spices collapsed in the 19th century, Banda was ignored by colonial powers, and today the islands support a population of 15,000, the same as in 1620. However, the past 10 years has been a time of accelerated change, as tourists began to discover the charms of these beautiful islands, as traditional forest products like nutmeg, mace and cloves continued to decline in market value, and as Indonesia's expanding economy meant motorized fishing boats and chainsaws were within reach of a larger number of the Bandanese people.

Problem:
Banda's unique small island ecosystem is under pressure from a variety of forces, including increased tourism and related infrastructure (airstrip, hotels, fresh water demand), forest clearing because of low prices for traditional forest products, increased fisheries pressure with larger numbers of motorized boats and large fish factory ships. While change is inevitable for Banda, there is little knowledge of true current conditions, the trajectory of current changes and other baseline knowledge against which to plan for the future. Current development projects appear to be directed from a distance, and local residents have little say in the future of Banda, nor do they receive much information about how development projects are to be implemented.

Long-Term Objective:
Develop a long-term resource management plan for Banda, and develop a local political structure that incorporates the needs and vision of all people of Banda. Build a knowledge base and methodology for small island ecosystem management and sustainable development that can be used in other islands in the Maluku region, and linked to other projects at the national and global level.

Current Projects:

Establishing an educational center with Indonesian language books and computer facilities

Coral reef health monitoring project, conducted by high school students

Construction of sanitary toilet facilities in coastal villages

We are currently seeking funding to expand programs in the next year. For more information, please contact Gaman Mohamad or Syukani Thalib at Yayasan Banda Persada, Banda Naira, Maluku Tengah 97593 Indonesia, tel: (62) 910- 21203, fax: (62) 910-21111, or Peter Lape in the USA.

For a painless way to help out, have a look at my "Further Readings" page, where your book purchases contribute to our work in Banda.