Coral Triangle Day 2023: Empowering Conservation Efforts and Combating Plastic Pollution in Likupang, North Minahasa, North Sulawesi

Coral Triangle Day 2023: Empowering Conservation Efforts and Combating Plastic Pollution in Likupang, North Minahasa, North Sulawesi

Likupang, a picturesque coastal town in North Minahasa, North Sulawesi, witnessed the celebration of Coral Triangle Day 2023, “OceansNeedActions”. The event, organized by the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat in partnership with the Provincial Government of North Sulawesi, the Regency of North Minahasa, Likupang Special Economic Zone Authority, and Wallace Conservation Likupang, aimed to raise awareness about the pressing issue of plastic pollution in marine ecosystems.

Likupang has emerged as a Super Priority Tourism Destination of Indonesia, with a strong focus on ecotourism and nature/wildlife tourism. Coral Triangle Day 2023, “OceansNeedActions”, was held in Likupang to highlight its commitment to sustainable tourism practices, while showcasing its awe-inspiring natural treasures. The event also emphasized the local government’s initiative launched on the same day to reduce environmental threats from single-use plastics.

One of the focuses of Coral Triangle Day “OceansNeedActions” was to educate and sensitize the local community, particularly residents in tourist areas, about the dangers of plastic waste. This initiative aligns with the Minahasa Utara Regency government’s instructions. Most plastic waste found in the ocean originates from land-based activities, including littering along beaches and riverbanks.

A series of awareness programs were initiated by Wallace Conservation Likupang (WCL) to engage food vendors at Paal Beach, East Likupang. A new instruction from the Regent of North Minahasa to stop selling bottled water will be piloted in this area. As an alternative, people are encouraged to bring their own water bottles or purchase a reusable tumbler from vendors, paying only for refills and avoiding new plastic waste each time.

By emphasizing the harmful impact of plastic pollution on marine life and the broader ecosystem, these initiatives aim to foster a sense of responsibility and encourage sustainable practices. The dialogues with the community also provided valuable input on effective approaches and messaging to promote behavior change among campaign participants.

Another significant aspect of the event was the in-depth discussions on actions and commitments to protect the marine ecosystem in the Coral Triangle region. The panel discussions brought together policymakers from national, provincial, and regency levels, local tourism business representatives, and community stakeholders. The focus was on addressing the threats posed to these delicate ecosystems by plastic pollution.

The panel discussion was expertly moderated by Ms. Paquita Widjaja from KEK Likupang and featured distinguished participants, including Mr. Franciscus Manumpil, Assistant 3 of North Sulawesi Province; Mrs. Gertreda Hehanussa, Head of the Coastal and Marine Resources Management Agency of Makassar; Dr. Mohd. Kushairi bin Mohd. Rajuddin, Executive Director of CTI-CFF; Mr. Novly Wowiling, Secretary of North Minahasa Regency; and Once Mekel, a prominent public figure advocating for ocean conservation. Local business representatives also contributed, including Ms. Angelique Batuna from Murex Dive Center and Ms. Amelia Tungka, Manager of the Mega Mas Commercial District.

During the discussion, the North Minahasa Regency government highlighted that the regent’s instruction to reduce bottled water consumption would be implemented gradually, starting with government offices. With support from Wallacea Conservation Likupang, these efforts will be extended to various tourist destinations and ports across the North Minahasa Regency.