Kampung Segha

Historically, the Segha Community consists of several clans or tribes including; Sueni Clan, Duwiri Clan, Dori Clan, Ramandei Clan, Ayomi Clan, Wairara Clan, and Samori Clan who actually reside in the villages of Napani, Daimboa, and Soyoi—who joined together and settled on the banks of the Segha River to search for food from the sea. The activity of searching for marine resources is carried out continuously and they reside for a period of 1-2 weeks along the Segha River before returning to their original village. This encouraged them to eventually reach a familial agreement to settle and form a village. Then, after the issuance of the Decree for the establishment of Segha Village by the Waropen Regency Government, this village was also formed traditionally and officially recognized by the Waropen Regency Government.

Segha Village is a village located in the Soyoi Mambay district, Waropen Regency, Papua. This village is situated entirely within an area of mangrove forest. Since being inhabited by the community in 1994, the Segha Village community has managed and protected the village area sustainably by dividing the protected area into mangrove areas, sago hamlets, and dense forests, each with its own local name.

The community believes that Segha Village has great potential for natural resources that are beneficial for welfare. They are very dependent on nature and biodiversity in their area, which is utilized wisely based on noble traditional values that are passed down orally from generation to generation. However, due to the increasing threats to the preservation of biodiversity from development and population growth, as well as the reckless utilization of natural resources by other communities from outside Segha Village—ultimately they initiated a joint agreement on the management and protection of the conservation area managed by the Segha Village community in 2018.

They also conducted participatory mapping and began to formulate management rules that are part of the joint agreement. The community is also still striving to establish village regulations regarding its management.

According to the agreement, the AKKM can only be accessed in a limited manner by the Segha Village community for the utilization of both mangrove forest and marine resources. The decision-making process related to AKKM and biodiversity management in Segha Village is conducted through deliberation. Now the community hopes that the issuance of this agreement can contribute to the security of natural resources and natural products.

The residents' initiative to protect Segha Village demonstrates their important role in maintaining the sustainability of natural resources and improving community welfare. The mangrove forest, sago hamlets, sea, and coast form a unified area of Segha Village that is considered important by the community as it supports life and livelihoods. Therefore, the utilization and management carried out by the Segha Village residents pay great attention to aspects of sustainability and conservation.

Segha Village itself is home to several protected plant species, such as sago trees and various types of mangroves, which are also utilized to meet food needs. In addition, the rich mangrove ecosystem serves as a habitat for various species of fish, shrimp, crabs, lobsters, shellfish, and other marine animals. This area is also home to wildlife, including birds and other animals such as lizards, which are known locally as Soa-soa.

There is currently no legal basis regulating the recognition and protection of the Segha Village community or the protected area.