Where Science Meets Local Wisdom: Safeguarding Indonesia's Coral Reefs

MAKASSAR, Indonesia, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers led by Professor Jamaluddin Jompa from Hasanuddin University assessed coral reef conditions across Indonesia's Spermonde Archipelago. They found substantial differences between sites and highlighted the potential for local communities to play a greater role in reef conservation with appropriate training, tools, and support.

The Spermonde Archipelago, home to around 120 coral islands, is a coral biodiversity hotspot facing increasing pressure from declining water quality, destructive fishing, coastal development, and other human activities. Live coral cover has declined from 45% to 28% over the past two decades.

Published online in Anthropocene Coasts in April 2026, the study led by Prof. Jompa of the Department of Marine Science, compares three approaches to monitoring coral reefs: Line Intercept Transects, Underwater Photo Transects, and drone mapping. The researchers examined reefs at Lae-Lae, Kodingareng Lompo, and Lanyukang islands, which have different levels of water clarity. They also conducted focus group discussions with 33 residents to examine local perceptions of reef degradation and conservation. "We aimed to provide an evidence-based foundation for conservation policies while enhancing the adaptive capacity of local communities and stakeholders in responding to evolving ecological challenges in the Spermonde Archipelago," Prof. Jompa said.

The researchers found relatively abundant live hard coral in the clearer waters of Kodingareng Lompo and Lanyukang, while the more turbid waters of Lae-Lae had greater amounts of rock, coral rubble, and dead coral covered with algae.

Community discussions showed that residents recognized reef degradation but had limited understanding of its causes and restricted readiness to participate in conservation.

The researchers recommend improving community participation by providing communities with practical training, simple monitoring tools, and financial support. Combining these efforts with scientific monitoring could help develop conservation strategies suited to different conditions across the Spermonde Archipelago. The study advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 14 (Life Below Water).

Reference
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44218-026-00128-x

Media Contact:
Name: Professor Jamaluddin Jompa
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: +62 812-4230-107

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SOURCE Hasanuddin University