23 Dec CTC Organizes Learning Exchange to Advance MPA Management in Bali and West Nusa Tenggara

To strengthen marine conservation management across Indonesia, the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) recently facilitated a knowledge exchange between officials from the Bali and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) provincial governments. Held from November 28 to 30, 2024, the event was crucial to establishing effective marine protected area (MPA) management frameworks. It explicitly focused on developing the Public Service Agency (BLUD), a public service agency designed to enhance local marine conservation efforts.

The exchange brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from Bali’s Organization Bureau (Biro Organisasi), Legal Bureau (Biro Hukum), and Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), as well as the Bali Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (DKP Bali) and the Technical Implementation Unit of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Bali (UPTD KKP Bali). From NTB, participants included officials from the NTB Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (DKP NTB), the Assistant II for the Regional Secretariat of the NTB Provincial Government (Asisten II Setda Provinsi NTB), the Head of the of the BLUD MPA of NTB, and key conservation partners such as the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), who have been instrumental in supporting the development of the UPTD BLUD KKP NTB.

The three-day event included discussions with the Marine and Fisheries Office of NTB Province and partner organizations supporting the establishment of BLUD in NTB, focusing on the practicalities of establishing and managing BLUD entities. The exchange allowed participants to learn from Bali’s successes and challenges in creating its BLUD KKP model, which has become a pivotal mechanism for regional marine governance. As part of the learning activities, participants also visited the Gita Nada MPA in Sekotong West Lombok, a prime example of BLUD management in action.

A central theme of the exchange was the importance of fostering collaboration between local governments, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure that marine protection efforts are practical and sustainable. During the event, Bali’s delegation worked alongside NTB officials to identify key steps for establishing a BLUD in NTB, which will significantly enhance the management of marine protected areas in the region.

One of the most notable outcomes was the recommendation for Bali’s DKP to establish a BLUD preparation team tasked with drafting the necessary documents and coordinating with various government agencies. This includes working closely with Biro Hukum and the Bali Provincial Secretariat to ensure that legal and organizational frameworks are in place.

A significant part of the discussion also focused on creating a separate management entity for Nusa Penida, which would involve spinning off a new UPTD KKP Nusa Penida as a distinct BLUD MPA. This move aims to improve management and conservation efforts in the island’s unique marine ecosystems, one of Bali’s most biodiverse regions.

The exchange also highlighted the importance of human resources in BLUD management, with participants agreeing that building a qualified workforce is crucial for the success of any BLUD initiative. The group also discussed developing service standards to guide the management of BLUD MPAs and ensure that local communities are actively involved in conservation efforts.

As the event concluded, Bali and NTB delegates agreed to continue working closely to finalize the governance documents required for the BLUD establishment process. The following steps include drafting strategic plans and service standards, preparing financial projections, and submitting the necessary paperwork to the Governor of Bali through the Provincial Secretariat for official approval.

CTC’s role in facilitating this exchange highlights its commitment to strengthening marine conservation in Indonesia through effective, community-driven governance models. By sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration between provinces, CTC is helping to ensure that marine protected areas are managed sustainably and are better equipped to face future challenges.

Writer: Asia Salsabilla
Photos: Tabitha Rudang/CTC

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