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Collaborative capacity building in biodiversity data analysis and modeling

Papua is a paradise for its wildlife habitat, including birds, mammals, amphibians, and others. Information on the distribution of Flora and Fauna (FF) encounters is one of the initial steps for further analysis and to ensure the availability of space for these populations to thrive in their natural habitat.

Papua Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) through BKSDA Wilayah 1 Merauke and PT Bio Inti Agrindo (PT BIA) to be hosting for the implementation of Training Analyzing and Modeling Biodiversity Data in Halogen Hotel, Merauke, on Friday-Saturday, (8-9/3/2024)

The activity aimed to increase the officers’ capacity to analyze data in presuming habitat suitability for the presence of wild plants and animals. The participants are introduced to operating tools MaxEnt and ArcGis

Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) is a habitat suitability modeling tool and species distribution based on species occurrence data. It is a simple machine learning tool for making predictions or inferences from incomplete information (Phillips et al. 2006). This model is widely used in biogeography, conservation biology, and ecology due to its ease of use and comprehensive outputs (Elith et al. 2010). The selection of environmental variable data must be supported by verified knowledge of the ecological characteristics and/or habitat of the selected species.

The Head of Technical Affairs, represents the Head of Papua Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA), Yulius Palita, in his remarks stated that this training aims to increase participants' insight, especially in basic statistics, survey design, ecological characteristics or habitat of a species, and spatial modeling analysis of habitat suitability distribution, as well as technical skills in making habitat suitability maps and species richness maps of an area, and the ability to interpret the analysis results.

“It must be admitted that we already have a lot of data about biodiversity. However, the problem is how we process and use this data for better management of conservation areas in the future” Yulius stated.

Furthermore, Resit Sözer (Program Manager of Environment Conservation and Community Development) stated that Lake Bian Wildlife Reserve is an important area whose ecosystem must be maintained, as a habitat for migratory birds from Australia and crocodiles.

This activity is a form of cooperation between the Ministry of Environmental and Forestry through BBKSDA Papua with PT. Bio Inti Agrindo to strengthen the function of Suaka Margasatwa Danau Bian/Lake Bian Wildlife Reserve.

This training series involves various parties, including the Wasur National Park Office, the Department of Environment Forestry and Land of South Papua Province, BKSDA region II Nabire SKW Agats, Timika, Biak, as well as representatives from PT BIA and the BKSDA region I Merauke. The total number of training participants is 39 people.

After this training, preliminary assessments will be conducted in the near future to measure the effectiveness of interventions in biodiversity management at Lake Bian Wildlife Sanctuary

The Head of BBKSDA Papua A. G. Martana stated “We hope that after participating in this training, all of the participants can maximize technology in the activity implementation at the site level so that all activities can be done effectively and efficiently. We should make the best use of increasingly sophisticated technology so that we can make a greater contribution to the field of conservation." Martana said.[]