YAPPENDA Research Centre
Centre for Indigenous Conservation Science & Research
ABOUT THE RESEARCH CENTRE
Research for Papua, by Papuans
YAPPENDA works to protect, sustain and restore Papua’s natural and cultural heritage. We combine habitat conservation with education, sustainable livelihoods, recognition of customary land rights and Indigenous-led stewardship of natural resources.
The YAPPENDA Research Center builds on this work by creating a dedicated platform for research, knowledge exchange, responsible data management, publication and research training. Our purpose is not only to increase scientific understanding, but also to ensure that research responds to local priorities, respects Indigenous authority and contributes to practical conservation and community wellbeing.
Research, Restoration, and Learning in Action
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Each planting contributes practical information about species selection, site conditions, survival, and effective restoration methods.
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YAPPENDA’s growing restoration record provides a foundation for long-term monitoring of ecological recovery and community-led conservation.
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These landscapes provide important opportunities to monitor restoration progress, environmental change, and long-term ecosystem health.
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Vetiver planting supports erosion control while helping YAPPENDA learn which methods are most effective in vulnerable landscapes and watersheds.
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Camera traps help document wildlife, monitor threatened species, and build stronger evidence for biodiversity conservation.
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Environmental education connects conservation knowledge with young people and strengthens the next generation of Papuan researchers and environmental leaders.
Our Research Priorities
YAPPENDA’s research connects scientific knowledge, Indigenous leadership, community priorities, and practical conservation across Tanah Papua.
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Field research that improves understanding of Papua’s species, habitats, and ecosystems through biodiversity surveys, camera trapping, ecological monitoring, and conservation planning.
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Research developed through trust, meaningful community participation, customary authority, Free, Prior and Informed Consent, and protection of sensitive Indigenous knowledge.
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Monitoring and learning connected to tree nurseries, reforestation, mangrove restoration, erosion control, watershed protection, and community-led landscape management.
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Research supporting nature-based solutions, agroforestry, sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and long-term community stewardship of natural resources.description
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Responsible research and documentation related to Indigenous culture, local knowledge, conservation education, languages, and relationships between communities and the environment.
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Training Papuan researchers, students, field assistants, educators, and staff in research ethics, field methods, data management, scientific writing, communication, and project leadership.
Conduct Research in Papua with YAPPENDA
YAPPENDA Research Centre welcomes collaborations with Indonesian and international researchers, universities, museums, research institutes, and conservation organisations seeking to conduct responsible research in Papua.
With established relationships with Indigenous communities and customary landowners, experienced local researchers and field teams, research equipment, transportation, accommodation, and support navigating permits and institutional requirements, YAPPENDA can help facilitate projects from initial planning through fieldwork and long-term monitoring.
We aim to make research in Papua more accessible, locally grounded, and mutually beneficial—while ensuring that research strengthens Papuan capacity and contributes to the communities and landscapes where it takes place.
FEATURED RESEARCH
Expedition Cyclops and the Rediscovery of Attenborough’s Long-Beaked Echidna
In 2023, a biodiversity training expedition in Papua’s Cyclops Mountains rediscovered Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna, a Critically Endangered egg-laying mammal that had not been scientifically recorded since 1961.
Led by YAPPENDA with Cenderawasih University students and supported by Indonesian and international research partners, the expedition deployed approximately 80 trail cameras and documented the first photographs and video of the species.
The expedition also strengthened Papuan research capacity by providing students with practical training in biodiversity surveys and camera-trap monitoring, while bringing together Indigenous communities, local institutions, conservation organisations, and international researchers.
How we Work
Our research approach brings together scientific quality, Indigenous leadership, community priorities, and practical conservation outcomes.
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Research should respond to local priorities and create meaningful, lasting benefits for communities.
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Indigenous knowledge, customary rights, community authority, and local leadership must be respected throughout the research process.
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We connect communities and Papuan institutions with Indonesian and international researchers, universities, and conservation partners.
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Research must protect people, knowledge, biodiversity, confidential information, and culturally sensitive material.
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We aim to strengthen reliable methods, transparent reporting, responsible data management, and research integrity.
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Research should contribute to conservation, restoration, education, policy, and community-led action.
Meet the People Behind the Work
YAPPENDA’s research and conservation work brings together Papuan leadership, field experience, scientific knowledge, community relationships, education, and institutional collaboration.
Iain Wilson
Iain provides strategic leadership for YAPPENDA’s conservation and research partnerships. Alongside his brother Malcolm. Iain was born and raised in Papua amongst the Yali with 40 years of lived experience and 27 years of work experience in situ providing the expertise to connect Indigenous communities, government agencies, Papuan institutions, and international researchers.
Executive Director and Co-Founder
Zacharias “Zaani” Inaury
Zaani brings more than 15 years of experience in conservation, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and community development across Tanah Papua. He helps translate research and community priorities into practical field programmes and conservation action.
Project Implementation Manager
Co-Founder and Managing DirectorMalcolm Wilson
Malcolm contributes to YAPPENDA’s strategic leadership, institutional development, and international partnerships. Born and raised among the Yali people in the Papuan Highlands, he brings a deep personal connection to Papua’s communities, landscapes, and cultural heritage.
OUR PARTNERS
Research Through Collaboration
YAPPENDA works with Indigenous communities, customary landowners, Papuan universities, government institutions, conservation organisations, and international researchers.
These partnerships connect local leadership and knowledge with scientific expertise, research training, conservation resources, and long-term institutional support.
COLLABORATE WITH US
Help Build the Future of Research in Papua
YAPPENDA welcomes responsible collaboration with Indigenous communities, researchers, universities, students, government institutions, conservation organisations, educators, and funding partners.
We are especially interested in partnerships that strengthen Papuan leadership, respect Indigenous authority, improve understanding of Papua’s biodiversity and cultures, develop local research capacity, and contribute to lasting conservation and community benefits.