Foreword
Increasing environmental degradation in much of the developing world is often linked
with rapid economic development and the loss of indigenous knowledge systems and tradi-
tional resource management institutions. There are however very few detailed studies on
enduring indigenous or traditional resource management institutions. In response to this gap
in knowledge the International Center for Living Aquatic Resource Management ICLARM-
The World Fish Center embarked on a study of the SASI Laut (an indigenous fisheries re-
source conservation and management tradition) in Maluku, Indonesia. The study was part of
a larger global project on fisheries co-management funded by the Danish International De-
velopment Assistance (DANIDA). The International Development Research Centre of Canada
provided a grant to undertake this specific study in Indonesia. Indonesia has the largest
number of and longest enduring traditional community-based coastal resource management
systems in Southeast Asia. Although many of these systems are disappearing, the basis of
these systems and resource management approaches used in these systems hold some prom-
ise of providing directions for crafting new institutions for managing natural resources. Such
knowledge could be a basis for improved policy choices resulting in sustainable economic
growth, poverty reduction and environmental sustainability. These are important goals of
ICLARM. ICLARM as a member of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural
Research (CGIAR) works toward generating the knowledge base for improved management
of aquatic resources leading to improved socio-economic conditions for the millions of poor
who depend on these resources.
This study provides a better understanding of the extent and functioning of community
based coastal resource management systems in Maluku province, Indonesia and suggests
recommendations for national, provincial and village government to support, maintain and
develop effective traditional and indigenous resource management institutions. The study
has shown that the SASI Laut has benefits that can be used as a basis for building local level
management institutions.
Although large-scale changes have taken place in Maluku since the time this study was
completed, the changes provide new opportunities for the development of innovative ar-
rangements for state and community cooperation for managing aquatic resources. It is hoped
the detailed study of the SASI Laut system provided in this report will form an important
benchmark for future studies on indigenous resource management systems in different parts
of the world.
Meryl J. Williams
Director General
ICLARM-The World Fish Center