How common is autonomous conservation? Insights from highlands and islands of Indonesia
Abstract
Autonomous conservation—local stewardship practices that sustain ecosystems with limited external intervention—remains poorly documented in global nature conservation. Drawing on a rapid assessment of 22 communities and an in-depth study of eight sites in Papua, West Papua, and West Kalimantan, Indonesia, we examined the prevalence, diversity and effectiveness of these practices. We found autonomous conservation in all sites, expressed through diverse forms including taboos, seasonal closures, avoidance, and gear/method restrictions. These practices, motivated by mixed livelihood needs, cultural values, and social norms, are maintained through local rules, enforcement, self-restraint, and deterrence of outsiders. Even as traditional beliefs fade, many practices persist via social norms and cultural memory. Our findings demonstrate that autonomous conservation is widespread and ecologically relevant, providing an overlooked foundation for more inclusive and equitable conservation. Recognising and supporting these practices is essential for effective global strategies.
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BibTeX
@article{bong2026common,
title = {{How common is autonomous conservation? Insights from highlands and islands of Indonesia}},
author = {Indah Waty Bong and Manuel Boissière and Dyah Rahmawati Hizbaron and Muhammad Anggri Setiawan and Douglas Sheil},
journal = {Biological Conservation},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1016/j.biocon.2026.112069},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05754061v1},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - How common is autonomous conservation? Insights from highlands and islands of Indonesia
AU - Indah Waty Bong
AU - Manuel Boissière
AU - Dyah Rahmawati Hizbaron
AU - Muhammad Anggri Setiawan
AU - Douglas Sheil
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/18
JO - Biological Conservation
DO - 10.1016/j.biocon.2026.112069
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05754061v1
AB - Autonomous conservation—local stewardship practices that sustain ecosystems with limited external intervention—remains poorly documented in global nature conservation. Drawing on a rapid assessment of 22 communities and an in-depth study of eight sites in Papua, West Papua, and West Kalimantan, Indonesia, we examined the prevalence, diversity and effectiveness of these practices. We found autonomous conservation in all sites, expressed through diverse forms including taboos, seasonal closures, avoidance, and gear/method restrictions. These practices, motivated by mixed livelihood needs, cultural values, and social norms, are maintained through local rules, enforcement, self-restraint, and deterrence of outsiders. Even as traditional beliefs fade, many practices persist via social norms and cultural memory. Our findings demonstrate that autonomous conservation is widespread and ecologically relevant, providing an overlooked foundation for more inclusive and equitable conservation. Recognising and supporting these practices is essential for effective global strategies.
SN - 0006-3207
ER -