On September 18, 2024, Indonesia took a significant step toward enhancing marine conservation during the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) National Coordination Forum Workshop, held in Jakarta. Organized by the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), the event gathered representatives from various NGOs, government bodies, and conservation organizations to formalize the establishment of the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Co-Management Committee. This new committee will play a crucial role in support and monitoring implementation of Indonesia MPA and OECM Vision by 2045 as part of 30 x 30 global target achievement.

As part of the MPA and OECM in Indonesia Project, led by the CTC and supported by Ocean 5, The Packard Foundation, BOF, and OceanKind, the forum underscored the importance of collaboration to safeguard Indonesia’s marine biodiversity. Six NGOs, including CTC, WWF-Indonesia, Rare, Konservasi Indonesia, Rekam and Yayasan Pesisir Lestari  are joining forces with the government to ensure effective protection of marine resources. The MPA Co-Management Committee will lead efforts to manage key conservation areas, foster partnerships, and promote the sustainable use of marine ecosystems.

Moderating the forum, CTC Senior Marine Conservation Adviser, Marthen Welly, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stressing the need for coordinated action. “There are many activities from cross-sectors institutions, organizations, and stakeholders within MPAs. It will be crucial to establish a coordination platform or committee toward integrated planning and effective management of MPAs in Indonesia,” he said. Welly emphasized that the MPA Co-Management Committee is not only a platform for collaboration but also a mechanism to ensure that conservation targets are met through scientific and community-driven approaches. The committee will serve as a bridge between local, national, and global efforts in marine conservation.

The committee’s responsibilities include enhancing the effectiveness of marine conservation areas, while supporting the government’s ambitious 30×45 target. This initiative aims to protect 30% of Indonesia’s marine areas by the year 2045, a critical move toward maintaining biodiversity and promoting sustainable marine management. The MPA Co-Management Committee will also assist in disseminating conservation information and coordinating work plans at both the national and regional levels.

A voluntary drafting team was formed during the workshop to create the legal and operational framework for the MPA Co-Management Committee. The team consists of experts from various institutions, including MMAF, CTC, YKAN, WWF, RARE and YPL by the end of 2024, this team is expected to present a detailed roadmap that will outline the committee’s structure and long-term objectives, setting the stage for future collaboration and action.

Key areas of focus for the Committee include improving monitoring and evaluation systems for conservation areas using global standards like the IUCN Green List, Ocean Health Index, and Ocean Account. The committee will also support both central and regional governments in managing conservation data and implementing best practices for marine area protection.

The establishment of the Committee is a major milestone for Indonesia’s marine conservation efforts. By aligning the country’s conservation strategy with global frameworks, the committee will strengthen the capacity of local governments to secure international support and resources for marine protection. This collaborative governance approach will be key in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and overfishing.

In his closing remarks, Amehr Hakim from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries expressed his optimism about the progress made during the workshop. He noted that the creation of the MPA Co-Management Committee represents a vital step toward achieving Indonesia’s long-term conservation goals and highlighted the need for continued collaboration between stakeholders.

As Indonesia moves forward with its conservation agenda, the MPA Co-Management Committee is poised to become a central force in preserving the country’s marine ecosystems. With the groundwork laid during the September workshop, stakeholders are now looking ahead to December 2024, when the committee’s framework will be finalized, paving the way for Indonesia to lead global marine conservation efforts.

Writers: Asia Salsabilla, Marthen Welly
Photos: Olivia Sope/CTC