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 Licoupang, 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 specific approach towards ecotourism and nature/wildlife tourism. CT Day 2023 “OceansNeedActions” was held in Likupang to support its commitment to sustainable tourism practices, coupled with its awe-inspiring natural treasures. It was also meant to draw people’s attention to the local government’s initiative launched that day to reduce threats to nature from single use plastic consumption.

One of the focuses of the CT Day “OceansNeedActions” was an action to educate and sensitize the local community, particularly those residing in tourist areas, about the dangers of plastic waste. It’s also aligned with the Minahasa Utara Regency government instruction. Plastic wastes found in the ocean are mainly sourced from land, from human activities on the beach and along the riverbanks, who don’t manage their trash but littering.

A series of socialization programs were started by the Wallace Conservation Licoupang (WCL) to raise awareness among food vendors on the Paal Beach, East Likupang. A new instruction by the Regent of North Minahasa, to stop selling bottled water, is going to be piloted in this place. As replacement to bottled water, people are encouraged to bring their own water bottle, or to buy one tumbler from the food vendor, and pay only for the water refill without creating new trash of plastic packaging every time they drink.

By emphasizing the detrimental impact of plastic pollution on marine life and the overall ecosystem, these initiatives aimed to foster a sense of responsibility and encourage individuals to adopt more sustainable practices. The dialogue interestingly came out with input for the suitable approach and messages that might be effective for the campaigners to achieve the behaviour change. 

Another significant aspect of the event was the in-depth discussions on various actions and commitments to protect the marine ecosystem in the Coral Triangle region. The panel discussions engaged policymakers from national, provincial, and regency levels, local tourism business players, and local stakeholders. The discussions revolved around the threats faced by these delicate ecosystems from plastic pollution. 

The panel discussion was skilfully moderated by Ms. Paquita Widjaja from KEK Likupang and attended by Mr. Franciscus Manumpil - Assistant 3 of the 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 the North Minahasa Regency, and Once Mekel, a prominent public figure known for his concern for ocean conservation. The discussion also involved local business players, including Ms. Angelique Batuna from Murex Dive Center and Ms. Amelia Tungka as the Manager of the Mega Mas Commercial District.

During the discussion, the North Minahasa Regency government emphasized that the instruction from the regent to reduce the consumption of bottled water would be implemented gradually, with priority given to the regency's government offices. With support from the Wallacea Conservation Licoupang, these efforts will be extended to various tourist destinations and ports in the North Minahasa Regency.