Raja Ampat Shines as Award-Winning Natural Destination Amid Nickel Scare

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Raja Ampat, located in Southwest Papua, has drawn public concerns following the protest against nickel mining initiated by Greenpeace Indonesia and the Raja Ampat Nature Conservation Alliance on June 3.

Famously dubbed the 'Last Paradise on Earth,' Raja Ampat is known for its unspoiled environment and breathtaking ocean views. The recent discovery has sown fear that nickel mining activities will soil the award-winning natural beauty of the islands.

So, what are some of the accolades Raja Ampat has won?

52 Places to Go in 2025 by New York Times

Raja Ampat was recognized among must-visit destinations in 2025. In its list of "52 Places to Go in 2025," the New York Times refers to Raja Ampat, nestled within the Coral Triangle, as the world's most diverse marine ecosystem on Earth.

Raja Ampat consists of about 1,500 islands, cays, and shoals that offer stunning natural landscapes. "On land, explore secluded beaches fringed by coconut palms or trek into the jungle to spot the striking and rare Wilson’s bird of paradise," as reviewed by the New York Times.

UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG)

Raja Ampat was designated as a Global Geopark by The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for being considered as one of the world's invaluable riches that deserve conservation and preservation. The award was received by the Acting Governor of Southwest Papua, Mohammad Musa'ad, together with Raja Ampat Regent, Abdul Faris Umlati, at The 10th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geopark in Marrakech, Morocco, on September 7-9, 2023.

Lonely Planet's Must-Visit Destination in 2023

Raja Ampat was selected as one of the six global destinations listed in Lonely Planet's 'Best in Travel' list for 2023. The global tourism platform refers to Raja Ampat as an "unwind destination" where tourists can relax and rebalance.

Other destinations listed along with the Indonesian destination were Halkidiki in Greece, Jamaica, Dominica, Malta, and Jordan.

Blue Park Awards

The marine conservation area of the Raja Ampat archipelago was honored with the Blue Park award as recognition for its extraordinary efforts in conserving marine wildlife. The gold-level award for marine wildlife conservation was announced by the Marine Conservation Institute at the United Nations (UN) Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, on Friday, July 1, 2022.

The Blue Park Awards were introduced by the Marine Conservation Institute to encourage marine protected areas to protect marine wildlife, preserve habitats, promote resilience, and ensure the beauty of the sea that inspires future generations. Meanwhile, the Marine Conservation Institute was established in 1996, operating globally.

Mila Novita contributed to the writing of this article.

Editor’s Choice: Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations in Indonesia, from Bali to Raja Ampat

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