On July 25, CTC joined the outreach event commemorating World Mangrove Day organized by the Surveillance for Marine and Fisheries Resources of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Ambon (PSDKP) and the Work Unit of Banda Marine Tourism Park (Satker TWP Laut Banda). The main activity was the planting of 197 mangrove seedlings on the shores of Istana Mini, Banda Naira, by 70 participants.                                       

This collaborative effort not only marked World Mangrove Day but also symbolized the determination of Banda Naira’s community to protect their natural heritage. It serves as a beacon of hope for the future of mangroves in this region and shows the power of collective action in environmental conservation.

In a different region of Maluku, a beach and underwater clean-up event was held on August 12 on the Poka Village Beach in Ambon Bay as part of the Bulan Cinta Laut. It was led by the Department of Marine and Fisheries (DKP) of Maluku Province in collaboration with the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) and the representatives of 25 partners from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.

This initiative was not just another cleanup, it was a manifestation of unity and responsibility, reflecting a commitment to environmental conservation. It involved 78 divers in accordance with the 78th Indonesia Independence Day and Ambon’s anniversary. Additionally, over 200 individuals from all walks of life joined the beach clean-up activities. A total of 3.2 tons of waste were collected – 1 ton from the underwater depths and 2.2 tons from the beach itself. The collected waste, ranging from the plastic bottles to the fishing nets, was handed off to the Poka Village Waste Bank in Ambon Bay.

These two remarkable events in the region of Maluku represent the dedication of communities and organizations toward safeguarding our precious marine ecosystems. Moreover, these activities foster collaboration between CTC, local governments, and communities. They represent significant steps toward the preservation of Maluku’s marine biodiversity and the well-being of the communities dependent on its resources.

Writers: Adam Putra, Purwanto, La Ode Junaidin
Photos: Purwanto/CTC, La Ode Junaidin/CTC