Just as Raja Ampat fetches UNESCO Biosphere Reserve title, nickel mining looms

Just as Raja Ampat fetches UNESCO Biosphere Reserve title, nickel mining looms

JAKARTA — Even as UNESCO hails Raja Ampat as a global conservation model, nickel mining threatens to carve up its forests and coral reefs. On Sept. 27, UNESCO designated 26 new biosphere reserves across 21 countries — the highest number in 20 years. Among them is Raja Ampat, strengthening its place as a flagship site of global biodiversity conservation and adding to its recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark earned in 2023. The “dual designation…