On December 12, 2025, CTC organized the National-Level Dissemination of the Climate REEFS Project at the CTC Center for Marine Conservation in Sanur, Bali. Building on the momentum of the provincial-level dissemination held in Ambon, Maluku, in August 2025, this event aimed to broaden policy engagement and strengthen the uptake of project findings at higher decision-making levels.

The event was officially opened by the Director of Ecosystem Conservation, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), Dr. Firdaus Agung, via Zoom. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the importance of strengthening and integrating scientific data to support spatial planning and conservation policies at both local and national levels, particularly in addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change.

In line with this objective, the dissemination brought together 22 participants representing key national and provincial institutions, including the Directorate of Ecosystem Conservation – MMAF, the Ministry of National Development Planning, the Ministry of Environment, the Maluku Provincial Government (Department of Marine and Fisheries, Regional Development Planning Agency, and Department of Environment), Pattimura University, and CTC. The diverse participation enabled constructive dialogue between policymakers, researchers, and practitioners.

Conducted in collaboration with Pattimura University, the event provided an overview of the Climate REEFS Project and highlighted key findings from studies on the resilience and vulnerability of coral reef ecosystems, as well as the socio-economic conditions of coastal communities under climate change pressures. These findings were presented through case studies from the Lease Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA) and Ambon, Maluku Province, demonstrating their practical relevance for marine spatial planning and conservation management.

Reflecting on the presentations, participants from both national and provincial government institutions expressed strong appreciation for the Climate REEFS Project. They noted its alignment with ongoing initiatives such as the National Action Plan, Indonesia’s Coral Reef Status Mapping, climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, and other strategic national and regional programs.

As a result of these discussions, the dissemination concluded with a set of key recommendations aimed at ensuring that the Climate REEFS Project findings are effectively applied in policy and planning processes at both national and regional levels.

“These recommendations include holding a national-level meeting next year to discuss the final project results, integrating Climate REEFS data into national and regional policy development, and using the findings to support the revision of the zoning plan for the Lease Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA),” said Purwanto, CTC Maluku Portfolio Manager.

CTC is committed to supporting the integration of scientific research and policy needs, and through this event reinforced the role of evidence-based approaches in strengthening climate-resilient marine conservation planning in Indonesia.

CTC is committed to aligning scientific research with policy needs, and through this event reaffirmed the vital role of evidence-based approaches in strengthening climate-resilient marine conservation planning in Indonesia.

Writers: Adam Putra, Kasman, Purwanto
Photos: Adam Putra/CTC, Erik Lukas/Ocean Image Bank