On Sunday, June 2, 2024, Coral Triangle Center (CTC) facilitated a Field Learning Trip for officials from the US Senate and USAID to the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA), Bali. The trip provided an immersive experience in marine conservation and community-based environmental management practices. The itinerary included coral restoration activities, mangrove ecosystem observations, and community meetings to discuss MPA management, solid waste management, and local conservation initiatives.
The participants were Christopher A. Coons, US Senator; Jeffery P. Cohen, USAID Indonesia Mission Director; Elizabeth O’Bagy, from the Office of Senator Chris Coons; Captain Harris, USAID; Monica Pons, USAID; Celly Catharina, USAID Indonesia; and Andrianus Sembiring, Bionesia. Led by Nusa Penida Project Leader, Evi Ihsan, the activities started with the participants engaged in hands-on coral restoration using the MARRS method. They then experienced snorkeling at the Mangrove Center to see the coral restoration site and went canoeing to observe the mangrove ecosystems.
The one-day trip was wrapped up with discussions with local communities such as Pokmaswas Gili Bhuana Nusa Lembongan, Surya Mandiri, Sandu Care Women Group, and Lembongan Recycling. CTC has worked together with the communities in Nusa Penida MPA in order to strengthen local conservation efforts, enhance sustainable resource management practices, and promote environmental education. These collaborations aim to empower the communities to protect their marine environment effectively, ensuring the long-term health of the coral reefs and mangrove ecosystems while supporting the livelihood of the local population.
The trip was successful, with participants expressing satisfaction and highlighting the hands-on experience of coral restoration. We hope that this trip can strengthen the relationship between CTC and its partners as well as highlight the role of local communities in marine conservation efforts in Nusa Penida MPA.
Writers: Adam Putra, Farhan Bachtier
Photos: Farhan Bachtier/CTC
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