[trim length=”130″]
"I heard the story of a mother who was able to send money for her child to study in Sorong," said Kartika Zohar from the LPPM (Institute for Research and Community Empowerment), University of Papua (UNIPA). Community empowerment through mothers is one of the keys to sustainable conservation.
Since 2010, LPPM UNIPA has been involved in the community and realizes that conservation activities carried out in Tambrauw Regency must be followed by community empowerment in it. The survey they conducted at that time showed that some conservation programs did not provide benefits to the community. "Only for turtles, said the community at that time," said Kartika, remembering the early days of going to the field.
In the context of conservation, Tambrauw Regency does have a significant function. Especially Jeen Womom Beach which is still the only spawning ground for the world's largest turtle, the leatherback turtle. The preservation of the area is not only useful for West Papua, but for the world. Therefore, to ensure conservation continues, the community must be involved and get the benefits.
Departing from the important role of the community, LPPM UNIPA continues to be present and tries to improve the standard of living of the community, both from the social, cultural and economic side. Until finally becoming a partner of the Blue Abadi Fund, LPPM UNIPA has worked with the Abun community in five villages in Abun District. Namely, Saubeba Village, Womom Village, Warmandi Village, Wau Village, and Weyaf Village.
Together with mothers, the companion team from LPPM UNIPA has succeeded in improving the quality of coconut oil. This increase certainly changes the selling price of coconut oil, which was previously only Rp. 20,000 per liter, to Rp. 25,000 per liter. This increase is very significant for villagers. "During our time with BAF, we produced at least 1000 liters of coconut oil," said Kartika.
In addition, these mothers were also taught how to make noken. At first, the teaching team from Wamena was dispatched to guide these mothers. During one year of processing, the women in the five villages are already proficient and can sell their products. "The money they get is very valuable, it can help send it to their children who are in school," said Kartika.
Realizing that conservation can provide benefits, the community then takes an active part in protecting the surrounding beaches. Indirectly they have helped preserve the leatherback turtle nesting site there.

[/trim]