For years, WALHI/Friends of the Earth Indonesia has been a crucial watchdog of the Indonesian government, which has been criticized for facilitating unsustainable projects in the Komodo National Park. Recently, they are raising concerns regarding tourism developments in and around the Park. WALHI’s paper, “Komodo National Park: The Only Home of Komodo Dragons in Peril,” exposes the negative environmental and social impacts of unchecked tourism development on the Komodo ecosystem and the Indigenous peoples who live in the park.

Declared as a World Heritage Site, the Komodo National Park hosts exceptional marine and terrestrial ecosystems, including that of the endemic Komodo Dragon. However, the park’s ecosystems and Indigenous communities are increasingly under threat due to private investment in the park, facilitated by the Indonesian government to build luxury resorts and various other touristic infrastructure. During the 44th World Heritage Committee session in July 2021, UNESCO raised concerns for massive tourism projects on Rinca Island, stating that Indonesian government’s Environmental Impact Assessment did not adequately assess how potential impacts would degrade the area’s Outstanding Universal Value. UNESCO urged the government to halt projects until it submits a revised assessment for the IUCN to review. Further, there has been great opposition from local communities who have not been consulted or even informed about the government’s plans. While investing in the tourism sector can be a viable pathway for economic development, this must be done in a sustainable way where projects are vetted through robust environmental and social assessments and ensure the full participation and consent of Indigenous and local communities. Considering the Indonesian government has failed to achieve both so far, WALHI has demanded that the government revoke concessions granted for private companies, thoroughly evaluate the planned development, and prioritize sustainable community-based tourism and conservation. Local organizations are also calling on banks to withhold any financing that may enable these projects to advance. Find more information here.