In July 9-11, 2024, CTC conducted training of Marine Protected Area (MPA) for Fisheries for Practitioners and Community in Ambon. It aimed to provide capacity building to MPA managers (government), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), community   surveillance   groups (Pokmaswas) and academics in Maluku Province.

The training is also aligned with CTC’s commitment to supporting the government’s vision of designating 30% of Indonesia’s waters as protected areas by 2045, strategically focusing on capacity building in Maluku Province. This commitment is specifically designed to ensure that local stakeholders are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage and protect these marine areas.

The 31 participants from the government, NGOs, CSOs, local community and private sector joined the training. This included representatives from Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (DKP)  of  Maluku  Province,  Komunitas Anak Pesisir,  Saniri,  Pele  Pesisir,  LPPM  Maluku, Moluccas Coastal Care, Kewang Haruku, Pokmaswas Kaibobo, Econusa Foundation, Yayasan Sauwa Sejahtera, Village Government of  Porto, Branch Department of Marine and Fisheries of Maluku Province Cluster of Islands VII Ambon Island and Lease Islands Class A in Waai, Barracuda Diving Club, Yayasan Harmoni Alam Indonesia, YPPM Maluku, Yayasan Toma Majo Lease, Branch Department of Marine and Fisheries of Maluku Province Cluster of Islands VI Banda Islands, Branch Department of Marine and Fisheries of Maluku Province Cluster of Islands II, Conservation  Group   Hatta   Island, Yayasan Baileo Maluku, Pattimura Diving Society, Women Conservation Group Walang and Pokmaswas Tanjung Saleh.

The three-day training covered topics including fish ecology, designing marine conservation areas and the surveillance and monitoring of marine and fisheries resources. During the fish ecology topic, there was also a fishing game to help participants understand changes in fish populations due to fishing activities. This game also aimed to provide participants with an understanding of open-access fisheries, the consequences it brings, and the realization that fishing activities require regulation by various stakeholders. The knowledge and experiences of each participant played a crucial role in completing the practical exercises and group work during this session.

The training continued with CTC facilitating the Maluku CSO meeting on July 12, 2024. This meeting was aimed at strengthening the collaboration between CTC, local government, community groups and CSOs in Maluku Province. Opened by head of Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (DKP)  of  Maluku  Province, Dr. Erawan Asikin, the meeting was attended by 29 participants.

In the effort to reach the 30% target by 2045, a supplemental approach is used by developing “Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures” (OECM ) defined by IUCN as “areas that are achieving the long term and effective in-situ conservation of biodiversity outside of protected areas”. CSOs play an important role in the management of these areas. This meeting also aimed at networking among CSOs in Maluku. It is hoped to provide a space for sharing experiences, discussing obstacles and challenges faced, and collaboratively finding solutions to strengthen the role of CSOs in enhancing community participation in protecting natural resources which can support the well-being of the community in Maluku. 

By conducting training and networking meetings, CTC hopes to enhance the capacity and collaboration among CSOs, foster a strong network for sharing knowledge and addressing challenges, and ultimately strengthen the role of their community in managing and protecting marine resources sustainably into the future.

Writers: Adam Putra, Kasman, Gerald Istia, Purwanto, Hesti Widodo
Photos: Kasman/CTC, Gerald Istia/CTC