The Coral Triangle Center (CTC) marked World Ocean Day on June 8, 2024, with a unique celebration at the Living World Denpasar Amphitheater. The event featured a captivating performance by Wayang Samudera, a traditional shadow puppetry show that brought to life the intricate stories of marine species and their interconnectedness with human life. This event aimed to raise awareness about ocean conservation and to inspire attendees to take action in preserving marine ecosystems.

Wayang Samudera’s performance combined the rich cultural heritage of shadow puppetry with modern environmental themes. The puppeteers skillfully depicted the lives of various marine creatures, highlighting the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems. The stories underscored the challenges these species face due to pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Through this artistic medium, the performance conveyed a powerful message about the need for collective action to protect our oceans.

The event attracted a diverse audience, including families, students, and local community members. Interactive booths set up around the amphitheater offered hands-on experiences such as virtual reality dives, educational games, and marine conservation exhibits. These activities provided attendees with a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and practical steps they can take to contribute to ocean preservation. The combination of the performance and these educational activities created an engaging and informative experience for all.

In addition to the shadow puppetry, the World Ocean Day celebration included a storytelling session featuring local environmental advocates. These speakers shared their personal journeys and efforts in marine conservation, inspiring the audience to reflect on their own actions and consider how they can make a positive impact on the environment. The combination of artistic performance and real-life narratives created a powerful and lasting impression on all who attended.

The event also featured a special collaboration with local schools and community groups, who participated in marine-themed art projects and discussions about ocean conservation. Over 200 people attended the event, including representatives from local government, NGOs, and businesses. This wide-ranging participation highlighted the importance of community engagement in environmental advocacy and demonstrated the collective commitment to preserving marine life.

The World Ocean Day celebration at Living World Denpasar was more than just an event; it was a call to action. Attendees left the amphitheater with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to protecting the ocean. The success of the Wayang Samudera performance and the surrounding activities highlighted the power of community engagement and cultural expression in driving environmental advocacy.

The Coral Triangle Center continues to plan and execute events that blend art, education, and advocacy to promote marine conservation. Future initiatives will focus on expanding outreach to schools and local communities, creating more opportunities for people to engage with and support ocean preservation efforts. By fostering a deeper connection to the ocean through creative and educational experiences, CTC aims to build a stronger, more informed community of ocean stewards.

The celebration not only showcased the cultural richness of shadow puppetry but also emphasized the urgent need for collective action in ocean conservation. Attendees were captivated by the blend of artistry and environmental advocacy, leaving inspired to champion the cause of marine preservation.

Writer: Emma DeBenedictis
Photos: Emma DeBenedictis