Southwest Papua, Indonesia, encompasses ecologically rich and culturally significant landscapes where upland forests, mangroves, and coral reefs form interconnected ecosystems. These ecosystems, home to Indigenous groups such as the Moi people, face increasing pressures from resource extraction and development activities. Additionally, fragmented governance and limited funding hinder effective conservation strategies. This paper discusses how integrating Indigenous commons principles can strengthen conservation efforts in Southwest Papua using the “Ridge to Reef” (R2R) framework, which connects land and marine ecosystems management. Using stakeholder interviews, FGDs, and policy analysis we assess how culturally aligned, commons-inspired practices can address these challenges. Local indigenous beliefs emphasize the interconnectedness of ecosystems, viewing land and sea as unseparated. Traditional practices like “egek” and “sasi” emphasize collective stewardship, reinforcing sustainable resource use across land and sea ecosystems and aligning the R2R approach with community values. Our study finds that an integrated R2R model rooted in local traditions, supported by diverse and blended funding sources, can potentially increase community participation, enhance resilience, and provide financial stability for long-term conservation. These results underscore the importance of embedding conservation governance within cultural contexts, which boosts both the relevance and sustainability of initiatives. Unlike conventional conservation approaches, the R2R model promotes inclusive decision-making and fosters collaboration across sectors, thereby supporting biodiversity and community welfare. This study provides valuable insights for conservation practitioners and scholars by demonstrating how commons-based governance and sustainable financing can foster resilient, inclusive conservation strategies. As global conservation challenges intensify, Southwest Papua offers compelling lessons of culturally integrated, community-led conservation that balances ecological and social goals.
