Ethnobotany Sagu among Wamesa community to support sustainable ecotourism in south Manokwari regency, west Papua province, Indonesia

This study examines the ethnobotanical knowledge of the Wamesa Indigenous community in Momiwaren District, South Manokwari Regency, West Papua, with a focus on Metroxylon sagu (sago palm) as a cultural keystone species. Using a qualitative approach that involves interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory observations, the research identifies seven local sago varieties, classified based on morphology, use value, and cultural significance. The findings reveal a gendered division of labor, where men primarily engage in harvesting while women dominate processing and marketing. Sago plays a central role in rituals, food security, household economy, and environmental sustainability. Two varieties, Anangas and Ananggemo, are regarded as “royal sago” due to their ceremonial value and superior starch quality. However, threats such as modernization, land-use change, and declining youth involvement endanger this biocultural heritage. The study emphasizes that community-based sustainable ecotourism could revitalize sago-related knowledge and practices. By integrating traditional wisdom with appropriate technologies and gender-inclusive strategies, sago-based ecotourism can foster local empowerment, cultural preservation, and ecological resilience. This research underscores the importance of viewing sago not merely as an agricultural product but as a biocultural asset with significant potential in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in remote Indigenous territories of Indonesia.