The CTC Center for Marine Conservation held another fantastic Talking Underwater event this month, highlighting the threats to oceans and the work being done by conservationists to protect marine and coastal ecosystems. Over 100 guests joined us for a screening of Blue, a documentary by Australian filmmaker and scientist, Karina Holden. 

Blue explores the threats to marine and coastal ecosystems across Southeast Asia and Australia, with insight from conservationists working across the region into what can be done to protect our oceans. The film was screened in the courtyard at the Center, with our Atauro Island MPA outdoor photo exhibition as a backdrop to the event, highlighting the beauty and fragility of marine and coastal ecosystems. The audience was inspired by the message of the film, and engaged with our panel of guest speakers following the screening. Barbara Masike-Liri, Director of the Nature Conservancy’s Papua New Guinea program, Dr. Sharifa Nora Ibrahim, the Deputy Executive Director for Program Services at the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, and CTC’s Executive Director, Rili Djohani, answered questions on marine protected area establishment, the work being done across the Coral Triangle region, and how to educate people on the impact human activity is having on marine environments. The evening also featured CTC’s Pasar Senggol, which drew a crowd after the delicious food and drinks on offer! 

The Talking Underwater series is a celebration of marine and coastal ecosystems and community engagement in the lead up to CTC’s 10 year anniversary. Each event is unique, inviting the Sanur community to the Center to learn, engage and have fun. Don’t miss out on the next Talking Underwater event! Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram accounts for upcoming dates.