Bali, August 16, 2025 – Marking its 15th anniversary of action, innovation, and collaboration in marine conservation, the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) hosts the Ocean Legacy Awards to honor outstanding partners, individuals, and communities dedicated to protecting the ocean and its biodiversity. The celebration recognized 15 champions whose innovative solutions balance environmental protection with community well-being. The event also featured short films and personal testimonies from awardees, highlighting the transformative power of collaborative, locally driven conservation.

Chair of the CTC Board of Trustees, Yuli Ismartono, emphasized that the challenges facing marine ecosystems cannot be solved by one organization alone. “It requires the shared commitment of governments, communities, the private sector, and individuals to ensure future generations inherit healthy, thriving seas. Tonight, we celebrate the people and communities leading that effort. This recognition is also our heartfelt appreciation for those who have advanced CTC’s mission to inspire and empower generations to care for our coastal and marine ecosystems,” she said.

Awardees were selected based on CTC’s core values of excellence, local stewardship, collaboration, and results. Excellence reflects an unwavering commitment to integrity, leadership, and advancing marine conservation at local, national, and international levels. Local stewardship celebrates those who strengthen communities and champion grassroots efforts to protect marine environments. Collaboration recognizes partners who work closely with CTC to develop innovative approaches that raise awareness and educate the public about ocean conservation. Results honor individuals whose actions create lasting impact and meaningful change in safeguarding the Coral Triangle’s marine resources.

The 2025 Ocean Legacy Awardees are:

• National Champions
  • Ir. Suseno Sukoyono, Board Member, CTC – Indonesia’s leading advocate for people-centered marine conservation, advancing capacity building, sustainable ocean management, and international collaboration in fisheries and marine governance.
  • Firdaus Agung, Director for Marine Conservation and Biodiversity, MMAF – Led the creation of new conservation areas and championed inclusive approaches such as Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs).
  • Lilly Aprilya Pregiwati, Head of Marine and Fisheries Training Center, MMAF – Leads national initiatives to train communities and fisheries professionals for sustainable practices and food security.
  • Amehr Hakim, Coordinator for Marine Protected Areas Designation, MMAF – Oversees the design of Indonesia’s MPA network to align ecological priorities with community needs.
  • Ir. Erawan Asikin, Head, Marine and Fisheries Department, Maluku Province – Led the establishment of multiple MPAs and promoted sustainable financing for marine conservation.

• Regional Champions 
  • E. Acacio Guterres, Director General for Fisheries, Timor-Leste – Strengthens sustainable fisheries through innovations like PeskAAS and leads MPA development.
  • Frank Keith Griffin, Executive Director, Coral Triangle Initiative Regional Secretariat – Promotes regional collaboration for marine biodiversity protection across the Coral Triangle.
  • Constancio dos Santos Silva, Head of Marine Spatial Planning, Timor-Leste – Integrates MPAs into national marine policy and advances transboundary marine spatial planning.

• Local Champions
  • Christina Maritje Lawalata, Raja Negeri of Mahu Village – Leads conservation rooted in local wisdom, protecting forests, coasts, and marine habitats.
  • Masnah La Empe, Leader of Raudatul Jannah Waste Management Women’s Group, Rhun Island – Mobilizes women and the community to turn waste into valuable products, tackling plastic pollution.
  • I Kadek Artona Yasa, Secretary, Gili Bhuana Community Oversight Group – Engages in coral reef restoration, mangrove rehabilitation, and environmental education in Nusa Penida.
  • Ni Wayan Damiasih, Teacher, SD Negeri 2 Sanur – Inspires students through marine education as part of CTC’s Ocean Keeper Club.
  • Sam Bencheghib, Co-Founder of Sungai Watch – Leads river cleanup efforts in Bali and Java, removing millions of kilograms of plastic waste.
  • Edward Speirs, Managing Editor, NOW! Bali Magazine – Raises awareness of Bali’s cultural and natural heritage through media.
  • Ni Luh Putu Wira Astuti, Founder of Sandu Care, Nusa Lembongan – Runs business that turns local seaweed into sustainable personal care products, creating eco-friendly livelihoods.

Reflecting on his award, Dr. Suseno Sukoyono said the recognition reaffirms the importance of collective responsibility in protecting the oceans. “Every achievement in marine conservation is the result of countless individuals and communities dedicating their knowledge, skills, and compassion to safeguarding our seas. My hope is that this moment will inspire more people, especially future generations, to see ocean protection as a shared duty essential to our planet’s health and survival,” he stated.

From the Banda Islands, local champion Masnah La Empe shared her gratitude “I am touched and proud that the waste management efforts we, the Raudathul Jannah Women’s Group, have been carrying out here on Rhun Island are recognized and valued,” she said.

“The presence of these fifteen Ocean Legacy Awards recipients is a source of inspiration and pride for all of us at CTC,” said CTC Executive Director, Rili Djohani. “What began as a bold vision to strengthen leadership, knowledge, and collaboration has now grown into a community of ocean champions driving learning and empowering local voices. This achievement reminds us that together, we can accomplish great things. Moving forward, with increasing urgency, we must continue to promote innovative approaches, strong collaboration, and sound policies to ensure the preservation of our oceans for the benefit of both current and future generations,” she stated.

Writer: Coral Triangle Center