Coral Triangle Center (CTC) took part in the 32nd International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB), held from June 16-18, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. As one of the world’s largest gatherings of conservation professionals, the event brought together experts, practitioners, and organizations to exchange ideas and solutions for protecting nature and biodiversity.

CTC was proud to share its marine conservation efforts involving local communities  from Indonesia and Timor-Leste with an international audience. During the congress, CTC team members presented stories and lessons from the field, highlighting how local knowledge and strong community partnerships can lead to meaningful change.

Hesti Widodo, CTC’s Senior Program Manager, opened the first day with a speed talk on how customary marine practices in Haruku, Maluku, are contributing to global conservation goals through locally driven, area-based protection. This was followed by a presentation from Purwanto, CTC’s Maluku Portfolio Manager, who shared a case study on safeguarding dugongs in the Lease Islands using a multi-pronged approach combining community outreach, habitat protection, and policy advocacy.

On the following days, Marthen Welly, CTC’s Senior Marine Conservation Advisor, presented CTC’s work in Timor-Leste, focusing on the “One Island One Management” strategy that helped establish the country’s first Marine Protected Area in Atauro Island. Eureka Amadea, CTC’s Coral Reef Restoration Task Force Coordinator, also shared insights from our coral reef restoration demonstration site and how it serves as a scalable, hands-on learning model for other regions. A key message that emerged from this year’s ICCB was the power of learning across disciplines. Experts emphasized how conservation tools used on land can be adapted for the ocean and how marine insights can also help improve efforts on land.

CTC is honored to have contributed to these important conversations. Sharing our local experiences with a global community reminds us that big change often starts at the grassroots level and that collaboration and shared learning are essential in building a more sustainable future for both people and the planet.

Writer : Kayla Azzahra, Marthen Welly
Photos : Coral Triangle Center