20 Mar CTC Supports Mapping Communication Strategy Development for the Coral Reef Hub and the Shaping of OECM Policy in Indonesia

As home to 41% of the world’s climate-resilient coral reefs, Indonesia plays a crucial role in global marine conservation. To enhance conservation efforts and improve stakeholder engagement, two key meetings were held in Bogor: a Communications Strategy Development Workshop for the GEF-7 Coral Reef Refuge (CRR) National Hub, from February 18–20, and the MPA Vision 30×45 Document Meeting on February 21. These discussions aimed to refine communication strategies and policy frameworks to ensure the long-term protection of Indonesia’s marine ecosystems.

The GEF-7 CRR project, part of the Global Coral Reef Rescue Initiative, focuses on safeguarding coral reefs with strong resilience to climate change. Indonesia is one of six focus countries under this initiative, with key reef areas in Riau Islands, East Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and Maluku. To support conservation efforts, WWF and Yayasan Reef Check Indonesia (YRCI) facilitated a workshop at Salak Boutique Hotel, bringing together experts from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), academia, and NGOs to develop an effective communication strategy.

During the workshop, participants worked on shaping the Coral Reef HUB communication strategy, mapping stakeholder engagement, and exploring new storytelling approaches to improve outreach. The sessions emphasized the need for targeted messaging to build public awareness and support for marine conservation. “A clear and compelling narrative is essential to build long-term commitment and inspire action,” said Hesti Widodo, Senior Program Manager at the Coral Triangle Center (CTC). The discussions resulted in a structured draft strategy, which will be finalized by YRCI, with the first review expected by the end of March.

Meanwhile, the MPA Vision 30×45 Document Meeting, organized by REKAM in collaboration with MMAF, focused on structuring Indonesia’s long-term marine conservation framework. The meeting, held at Swiss-Belinn Hotel, brought together consortium members involved in the MPA-OECM initiative, which seeks to expand Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) across Indonesia. Discussions covered financial planning, policy integration, and competency development to strengthen MPA management.

One of the key challenges identified was securing long-term funding, as an estimated IDR 40 trillion is needed to sustain Indonesia’s MPAs. Participants explored potential financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships and sustainable tourism models, to bridge funding gaps and ensure effective conservation.

In this meeting, the communications strategy to support the 30 X 45 goal was approved by the team. A new communications platform will be created by CTC in collaboration with the MPA-OECM Consortium members to serve as a centralized hub for MPA and OECM information. The website will provide accessible data on Indonesia’s conservation areas, ensuring transparency and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders. The initiative aligns with efforts to standardize conservation data management and improve decision-making processes for marine protection policies.

As these strategic frameworks take shape, Indonesia continues to strengthen its approach to marine conservation, integrating science-driven policies with effective communication. With a clearer vision for stakeholder engagement and financial sustainability, the outcomes of these meetings play an increasingly impactful role in safeguarding the country’s marine biodiversity for future generations.

Writers: Asia Salsabilla, Hesti Widodo
Photos: CTC/Asia Salsabilla, CTC/Bambang Wicaksono