Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

GENETIC RESOURCES PRESERVATION AND UTILIZATION OF INDONESIAN NATIVE FRESHWATER FISH CONSUMPTION

Kurniawan, Rudhy Gustiano, Irin Iriana Kusmini and Vitas Atmadi Prakoso

Abstract

As a megadiverse country, Indonesia should be able to take advantage of its biodiversity richness optimally for national purposes. This paper discussed current issues of freshwater fish genetic resources, regulations, and governance policies, as well as its preservation and utilization programs. The main global issues of extinction of genetic resources due to habitat degradation, over-exploitation, water pollution, invasive species, and climate change have also occurred in Indonesian waters. Indonesia has ratified international agreements relating to biological diversity, biosafety, access and benefit-sharing of genetic resources, Specific regulation on conservation of fish genetic resources has appeared in the conservation of its ecosystems, species, and populations. The Indonesian Ministry of National Development Planning (IMNDP) has drawn up a strategic action plan on biological resources management. At the central level, in addition to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MEF), the Ministry of Marine and Fisheries Affairs (MMAF) is determined as management authority, and the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (IAS) is appointed as scientific authority. Local government consisting of provincial and district/city governments can be managed of water areas in their jurisdiction based on assessment and approval of MMAF. Aquatic habitat conservation of the freshwater ecosystem needs to be improved to support the domestication program and cultivation of endemic species to ensure the sustainability of fish population. From the study, it can be concluded that management and strategic planning of conservation need to be implemented properly through strengthening legislation, policy development, and its implementations to broader communities, improving synergic coordination among institutions and stakeholders, and training and education of conservation staffs in advanced technology for genetic preservation and utilization.