What comes to mind when you hear the words ‘Banda’ or ‘Banda Neira’? Are you reminded of the islands that are often mentioned in Indonesia history books because of the richness of spices since ancient times?
Yep, the Banda Islands are a group of islands in the Maluku region. Meanwhile, Banda Neira is one of the islands in the Banda Islands. The Banda Islands have been known for its spices from ancient times, especially during the colonial period. It’s no surprise that traders and explorers from all over the world came to these islands. In fact, this archipelago is already well-known as the world’s spice trading center. Isn’t it fantastic?
Do you want to know more about Banda? Let’s take a peek at these interesting facts!
1. Has extraordinary underwater biodiversity
The Banda Islands, which are made up of seven small islands and three major islands, are one of Indonesia’s Marine Protected Areas. Banda Besar Island, Naira Island, and Gunung Api Island are the three major islands. Then there are two main ecosystems in this ocean area: coral reef ecosystems and seagrass beds.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) noted that there are at least more than 300 species of coral and 7 species of seagrass in this area. More than 600 species of seagrass and coral fish live in these waters as a result of their diversity. Isn’t it fantastic?
The Coral Triangle Center (CTC) then undertook a survey in the sea surrounding the Banda Islands in 2019 to assess the state of biodiversity, including coral reefs and fish. The findings reveal that biodiversity is in generally good health. However, the research team had already begun to detect trash beneath the sea by the time the research was conducted.
2. The sasi tradition is still practiced by the local community
The Maluku people have a local practice of being more disciplined in their use of existing marine resources called Sasi. The sasi tradition recognizes the ‘open-close’ principles that govern when and how its people may gather natural resources from the sea. In a number of regions, the local government has made Sasi, which was previously a local custom, as a regulation.
For example, the sasi rule has been implemented in Ay Island, Banda Islands, since 2014, as stated in the Pulau Ay Administrative State Regulation No.1/2014 on Natural Resource Management. Marine sasi is applied to a variety of marine biota, including lobster, sea cucumber, and coral reefs. Sanctions will be enforced if those resources are taken before the opening of the sasi period begins. Apart from marine resources, the sasi system is also applied to a number of forest resources.
3. Nutmeg as Banda’s treasure
One of the main commodities of the Banda Islands since ancient times is nutmeg. This fruit is commonly used for various things, such as food, flavoring ingredients, and cosmetics. If you come to the Banda, don’t miss the opportunity to see a nutmeg plantation! You can find these plantations on a number of islands,such as Banda Besar Island and Ay Island.
Given the natural abundance of the Banda Islands, it is essential that we protect the environment there. Not only in Banda, but around the world, including where you reside, all natural resources must be preserved.
Join the Kewang Muda Maluku School of Eco Diplomacy if you are a Maluku youth who wants to take action to protect the environment! This event will take place in Banda on the 27th-29th of May 2022. You can learn more about how to become an environmental diplomat who is actively taking action for the environment during the event.
Interested in signing up? Simply hit this link before May 22, 2022 at 23:59 WITA. Don’t miss it!