Maluku Releases Green Imperial Pigeons Back to Nature

KBRN, Ambon: The intersection of biodiversity conservation and cutting-edge financial strategy was highlighted as the Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) successfully released four protected Green Imperial Pigeons (Ducula aenea) into the Pombo Island Nature Tourism Park (TWA), Central Maluku Regency, Maluku Province.

The release, which was conducted in collaboration with international guests from the Insights and Results Mission – Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), serves as a tangible demonstration of how innovative ‘green finance’ models are directly supporting front-line conservation efforts in the region.

“This release is part of the effort to rescue and preserve the endemic Maluku wildlife whose population is increasingly threatened by hunting and habitat degradation,” said Danny Hendry Pattipeilohy, Head of BKSDA Maluku, in Ambon on Tuesday, October 10, 2025.

The Green Imperial Pigeon, a large species of forest pigeon, is ecologically vital for maintaining ecosystem balance by facilitating seed dispersal in nature.

Protecting this species is backed by national law, as stipulated in Law Number 5/1990 on the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems. This law sternly warns that "Anyone who deliberately catches, injures, kills, stores, owns, maintains, transports, and trades protected animals (Article 21 paragraph 2 letter a), is threatened with a maximum imprisonment of five years and a maximum fine of IDR 100 million (approximately USD 14,900) (Article 40 paragraph 2)."

The bird release was integrated into a field visit for the BIOFIN Program, a global initiative under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) focused on developing innovative financing strategies for biodiversity conservation. BIOFIN supports sustainable funding strategies for nature protection globally.

Maluku’s conservation efforts have been notable in pioneering a green finance approach. Since 2021, BKSDA Maluku, in partnership with the Maluku Wildlife Conservation Center, has been running a conservation project based on green financing through the issuance of Indonesia's first biodiversity project Green Sukuk.

This eco-friendly financing scheme has yielded significant results. As of October 2025, the conservation center has successfully rescued more than 1,700 wild animals, including iconic species like the Maluku Cockatoo.

Through activities such as the bird release, BKSDA Maluku aims to convey that conservation is not solely a government responsibility, but requires the active involvement of diverse parties, including financial institutions, the community, and international partners.

“Collaboration between conservation and innovative financing is expected to strengthen the protection of Maluku’s rich biodiversity for future generations,” concluded Danny. ***