NTT backs YKAN marine conservation work in Savu Sea

Kupang — East Nusa Tenggara’s provincial Marine and Fisheries Office has backed cooperation with the Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation, known as YKAN, on marine conservation and sustainable coastal resource management in the province, according to YKAN and RRI reports published in August 2026.

The support was framed around broader work in the Savu Sea and surrounding waters, where YKAN said it is helping strengthen marine protection, sustainable fisheries, coastal resilience and the blue economy. A YKAN release said a forum in Kupang on Aug. 12 discussed innovation to improve management of the Savu Sea Marine National Park, including technology trials to monitor marine mammals and potentially harmful activity in the conservation area.

RRI reported that the initiative involved the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, YKAN and the Kupang Marine Management Center, and said the technology pilots were part of broader efforts to improve monitoring in the park. YKAN’s own release said the programme also aims to support community involvement and better conservation-area management.

Five areas of cooperation

According to YKAN, the collaboration in NTT centers on five broad areas: biodiversity protection, sustainable fisheries management, climate-change adaptation, marine protected areas and stronger livelihoods for coastal communities.

The provincial office welcomed that direction because the sea is central to food supply, income and regional development in an archipelagic province, YKAN said in an earlier report on cooperation with the office. YKAN has also previously worked with the NTT provincial government on sustainable fisheries data collection and seaweed-farming standards, including activities in Kupang and Sumba.

The latest reports do not set out a new enforcement plan, a budget or a specific timetable for the work. They also do not identify all target communities or spell out whether the cooperation changes access rules in any protected areas.

Savu Sea remains a focus

The Savu Sea has emerged as a main focus of conservation work in NTT, with YKAN saying its programmes there combine science, technology and local participation. One August 2026 release described trials of autonomous and acoustic monitoring systems on islands including Sabu, Ndao, Batek and Salura to improve protection of the marine national park.

For the provincial government, the partnership fits a wider effort to link marine management with livelihoods and food security. For YKAN, it adds to a long-running portfolio in NTT that has included fisheries-data work, seaweed production support and conservation planning with local institutions.

The cooperation now appears to be moving deeper into practical management of the Savu Sea and adjacent coastal areas, with the emphasis on monitoring, fisheries and community-based conservation.

Sources

• Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN)
• RRI