Celebrating Coral Triangle Day 2024: Empowering Women in Marine Ecosystems and the Blue Economy

The Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI-CFF) is gearing up for Coral Triangle Day 2024 with a theme that emphasizes the delicate balance between marine ecosystems and the blue economy. This year's celebration goes beyond raising awareness about the CTI-CFF and its Regional Secretariat, focusing on a crucial initiative aimed at supporting the North Sulawesi provincial government in managing its marine resources. Central to this effort is the recognition and empowerment of women fishers and their pivotal roles in the coastal economy. A highlight of the celebrations is the seminar titled “Recognizing Women's Roles in Fisheries in North Sulawesi,” held at the CTI Center in Manado on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. The event gathered around 200 participants, predominantly women from the fisheries sector, fisheries extension workers, and environmental and marine advocates. The seminar opened with remarks from Dr. Frank Keith Griffin, Executive Director of the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat. Dr. Griffin emphasized that gender equality is a CTI-CFF priority and empowering women and involving disability groups in maximizing community potential leads to prosperity for all. He commended the dedication of women in the fisheries sector. Mrs. Governor Ir. Rita Maya Dondokambey Tamuntuan, as Chairperson of the PKK Mobilization Team, addressed the audience through a speech delivered by the Vice Governor’s wife, dr. Kartika Devi Kandouw-Tanos. Following this, a keynote speech by the Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection of Indonesia (KPPPA) titled “Women's Contribution to Indonesia's Economy as an Archipelagic Country” was delivered by Dr. Dra. Dewa Ayu Laksmiadi Janapriati, M.Pa, Assistant Deputy for Gender Mainstreaming in the Economic Sector at KPPPA. The seminar featured two panel discussions. The first, titled "Active Roles of Women in the Fisheries Sector in Indonesia and the Coral Triangle Area," included Dr. Dra. Dewa Ayu Laksmiadi Janapriati, M.Pa – Discussed gender equality in economic roles, particularly in coastal areas. Sitting in the same panels was Dr. Ir. Tienneke Adam, M.Si – Head of the North Sulawesi Marine and Fisheries Department, shared insights on the activities of approximately 252 women fishers out of over 4,000 fishers in the province. The last panel member was Ms. Leilani Gallardo – Representing the Vice Chair of the CTI-CFF Women Leaders’ Forum, highlighted the Forum's initiatives and the capacity-building efforts for women involved in fisheries and marine conservation. The second discussion, "Support for Women in Fisheries Activities in Indonesia," included Mrs. Sonya Ermina – Senior Labor Inspector and Sub-coordinator for Women's Worker Protection at the Ministry of Manpower, who explained government support programs for women in the fisheries sector. Another speaker was Ms. Synthia Ivonne Rondonuwu, S.ST.Pi, M.Si – Representative of Himpunan Nelayan Seluruh Indonesia (HNSI) North Sulawesi, emphasized the need for legal recognition of women fishers specifically in Indonesia's Fisheries Law. The third speaker was Ms. Wiwik Endang Sunarsih Bonello – From the Indonesian Coral, Shell, and Ornamental Fish Association (AKKII), spoke about the challenges faced by women fishers and the efforts to mobilize and support women's groups in fisheries and trade. The fourth speaker was Mr. Christodharma Sondakh, Head of Civil Registry Service Office of North Sulawesi – Discussed the recognition of women fishers' professions under Indonesian labor laws and addressed the need for administrative support to ensure women fishers receive their rights. Closing Thoughts The seminar concluded with a summary highlighting that while the Indonesian government has formally recognized women fishers, many still lack administrative support to claim their rights. Inspired by the collective efforts of women's groups in the Coral Triangle, there is a call for unity and collective advocacy to ensure their voices are heard. This Coral Triangle Day, the focus on women's empowerment in the fisheries sector underscores the vital role they play in sustaining marine ecosystems and the blue economy. Through recognition and support, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all members of the coastal communities.