On September 9, CTC joined conservation experts in a virtual roundtable to spread awareness about the 30 x 30 global initiative to protect 30% of the planet’s terrestrial and marine habitats by 2030. The roundtable was entitled “Better Understanding of the 30×30 Target (Protected and Conserved Area Management) and was jointly organized by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, the British Embassy in Manila, and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity.

Speakers from the various governments and non-government organizations from the Asia Pacific region highlighted the urgent need to protect land and marine areas in order to prevent the loss of habitats. Habitat loss threatens the existence of at least 1 million plant and animal species all over the world. “The science-based 30×30 target is an ambitious but achievable goal. While each country is encouraged to set and work towards their own targets, the success of this initiative lies in reaching the common objective of 30 percent of protected lands and oceans by 2030 at the global level, where each country makes a contribution to the best of their resources and capacities,” French Ambassador to the Philippines Michèle Boccoz said during the virtual event.

On this event, CTC Executive Director Rili Djohani and CTC Marine Conservation Advisor Marthen Welly presented that the 30 x 30 initiative will have a critical impact in addressing threats to the ocean, specifically in the ASEAN and Coral Triangle countries, and the ecosystem services that oceans provide for fisheries, tourism and coastal protection. Rili Djohani added that in order for the initiative to succeed, there is a need to communicate what the global initiative means for those who will be implementing it on the ground. “It is important to support governments in making the case for the 30×30 initiative in terms of economic and social benefits,” she added.

Djohani also noted that social inclusiveness and social equity have to be central in moving the 30 x 30 campaign forward. She said: “Critical in the process is the engagement of local communities in the planning and management of MPAs from the start and ensure they benefit from the MPAs and can continue sustainable livelihood activities in and around the MPA. Examples on how we engage communities in Indonesia include engaging women in post harvesting techniques and seaweed culture, supporting community surveillance groups to help monitor the coastal and marine ecosystems, supporting and building local champions to become marine conservation leaders in their areas, amongst others.”.

Meanwhile, CTC is proud to support Brigitta Maria Andrea Gunawan, a student of the Australian Independent School in Bali, Indonesia as the youth ambassador for the “30×30” Global Initiative in the upcoming UN Convention on Biological Diversity. CTC champions her awareness campaign, which uses underwater photographs to showcase the efforts of young conservationists in the Nusa Penida MPA who are helping to restore damaged coral reef ecosystems.

In her project, 17 year old Brigitta has collected 400 pictures from youths and students in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, to show their commitment and support in protecting at least 30% of the world’s ocean, including 32.5 million hectares of Indonesian seas, before 2030. These pictures will then be compiled into a short video that will raise public awareness of the importance of marine conservation.

CTC has also shown its strong commitment to support the global “30×30” campaign, and by joining Brigitta’s initiative, CTC aims to amplify the good work done in our learning sites, such as in the Nusa Penida Island MPA, to the wider community in Indonesia and around the world.

All pictures submitted by CTC show young members of the Nuansa Pulau community group in the Ped Village, Nusa Penida, doing ocean side and underwater activities to protect coral reefs while holding a sign that reads “30×30 Indonesia”. CTC has been working closely with this group since 2020 as our local partner in coral reef rehabilitation through our “Adopt-A-Coral” program.

CTC is also working on its own efforts to support the “30×30” Global Initiative by establishing new MPAs in the Coral Triangle. During the last ten years, CTC has been actively involved in the establishment of five new MPAs in Bali, Maluku, and North Maluku Province in Indonesia, as well as two new MPAs in Timor-Leste. We also have contributed in building the capacity of thousands of MPA managers and personnel in the Coral Triangle region, aiming for more effective management of MPA in the future.

Photos by Wira Sanjaya/CTC & Kasman/CTC