Beyond numbers: Assessing staff capacity and competence in the management of Indonesian marine protected areas

Abstract

Indonesia, recognized as a global marine biodiversity hotspot, has rapidly expanded its Marine Protected Area (MPA) network. However, management effectiveness continues to face challenges, partly due to limited staff capacity. This study presents the first evaluation of staff capacity in Indonesian MPAs, examining organizational structures, role clarity, required competencies, and staffing adequacy across 36 priority MPAs. Using document reviews, questionnaires, and focus group discussions, we found overlapping roles, broad job descriptions, and a mismatch between existing competencies and operational needs. Over two-thirds of the MPAs fell below the baseline of eight staff, and only three MPAs met the recommended staffing level of twenty staff to allow effective operations. Surprisingly, staff numbers were not correlated with MPA size and ecological characteristics (coverage of coral, seagrass, and mangrove), though they were positively associated with cumulative human pressure. Our analysis identified 20 role-specific competencies, four of which are not covered by the national certification scheme. Recognizing that each MPA has unique ecological characteristics, socioeconomic contexts, and management complexities makes staffing targets difficult to apply uniformly. Nevertheless, our proposed benchmarks offer a pragmatic reference to support planning and resource allocation when adapted to site-specific needs. Our results underscore the need for a structured, competency-based staffing strategy tailored to local contexts. We recommend establishing clear roles and job descriptions, aligning competencies with management needs, while also fostering partnerships with NGOs and local governments. These findings support Indonesian MPA planning and offer a scalable model for achieving SDG 14 and the '30 by 30' commitment globally.