reserve is subject to logging concessions, some operative and others pending. In 2001, UNESCO brought in a new phase of its Siberut Programme, with the intention of protecting the ecosystem through local development. This phase involves creating a partnership of local communities, conservation groups and local government, an approach which appears to be popular locally. However, poor governance and corruption has led to substantial illegal logging. Culture Some anthropologists believe that several thousand years ago, the Bataks of North Sumatra may have been the first to settle here. However, there are now substantial differences in culture and language among the inhabitants. The Swiss anthropologist, Reimar Schefold spent years among the Siberut groups, the Sakuddei. On the western parts of the island, there is a tradition of communal long houses known as uma. References External links Mentawai Islands Regency Biosphere reserves of Indonesia Islands of the Indian Ocean