Recent efforts by Indonesia's Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) aim to enhance coastal and marine conservation through a blue economy framework. This initiative addresses the urgent need for sustainable resource management, given that 60% of coastal communities rely on these ecosystems for their livelihoods.
During a celebration marking a decade of the Nusantara Conservation Foundation, KKP officials highlighted the establishment of five strategic policies focused on ecological sustainability. These include expanding marine conservation areas, implementing quota-based fishing, and managing plastic waste in oceans.
Andy Artha Donny Oktopura, the KKP's Planning Bureau Chief, emphasized the complexity of implementing these policies, which require collaboration with partners like the Nusantara Conservation Foundation. He noted that such partnerships are essential for achieving the triple win of ocean health, wealth, and prosperity.
One notable community-led initiative involves the 'sasi laut' practice in Maluku and Papua, where local groups agree to halt fishing during specific periods to allow marine life to recover. This sustainable practice, supported by KKP, not only enhances fish populations but also fosters community resilience.
These developments mark a significant step towards sustainable ocean management in Indonesia, crucial for both environmental health and the livelihoods of coastal communities.