Indonesia Hosts First Ever International Business and Government Leaders’ Gathering on Sustainable Marine Tourism in the Coral Triangle

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The 4th CTI-CFF Regional Business Forum aims to provide a platform for discovering innovative and collaborative solutions to promote best practices for responsible tourism, private sector leadership in sustainable and responsible tourism, and branding the Coral Triangle as a regional sustainable marine tourism destination that benefits local communities.

Coral Triangle region possesses abundant marine resources that attract tourists from all over the world. However, the existence of marine ecosystems is at risk nowadays. Tourism has both direct and indirect impacts on coral reefs. Snorkeling and diving may cause direct physical damage to reefs. Fishing and collecting items from the ocean can contribute to over-exploitation and threaten endangered species. Indirect impacts of tourism on marine resources are related to infrastructure development.

“This event is a great opportunity to gather all stakeholders, be it the private sector, communities, governments, and NGOs, which allows them to reiterate their commitment towards sustainable practices in marine tourism. Aside from sharing best practices, this event also becomes an avenue for Coral Triangle countries to market their marine landmarks as world’s best holiday destinations,” said Widi A. Pratikto Ph.D, Executive Director of Regional Secretariat CTI-CFF.

Data from the World Travel and Tourism Council shows that the travel and tourism industry in the six countries of the Coral Triangle has tremendous economic impact. In 2014, it contributed to US$ 58 billion in the region’s gross domestic product and provided direct employment to more than 5 million people. Approximately US$ 3 billion in coastal tourism revenues are derived as annual foreign exchange income in the region.

“Indonesia is well known for its marine biodiversity and one of the largest areas in the Coral Triangle. Therefore, it is very important to maintain the country’s underwater forest. The private sector needs to understand that no tourism will happen without sustainability. When the government lacks resources, the private sector should stand hand in hand in protecting the area,” said Ismail Ning, Chairman of the Indonesian Marine Association (GAHAWISRI) and Chair of Pacto Ltd.

The forum is especially crucial to Indonesia as it plans to develop the National Tourism Strategic Area (KSPN) from the original 8 maritime areas in 2014 to 25 areas in 2019, as marine tourism in the country continues to grow. In Komodo National Park, the number of foreign tourists increased by 9.42% from 2011 to 2013. In Badung, it increased from 41,833/year in 2011 to 45,776/year in 2013. Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua increased by 56.48% in 2012 compared to 2010 (3,858 in 2010 to 6,037 in 2012). Similarly, Wakatobi increased by 45.77% in 2013 (2,274 in 2011 to 3,315 in 2013). In Sabang, North Sumatra, the increase was 17.5% in 2013 compared to 2010 (3,932 in 2010 to 4,622 in 2013).

“This forum is visionary in the sense that we recognize that promoting sustainable marine tourism can have a tremendous impact in sustaining the rich biodiversity of the Coral Triangle and the lives and livelihoods of more than 120 million people who depend on it. We can only protect and sustain this unique resource if we engage all stakeholders including the private sector, local government leaders, and women leaders across the Coral Triangle region,” said Coral Triangle Center Executive Director Rili Djohani, one of the forum’s main organizers.

The Forum will also have various side events, including a forum on local government network leaders and a women leaders forum. The event is co-organized by the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, US Agency for International Development, the US Department of the Interior, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Coral Triangle Center, and supported by WWF, The Nature Conservancy, Conservation International, Tone, XL Axiata, and BNI.