RS Staff deepen understanding of coral reefs and mangrove habitats (in teambuilding exercise)

In efforts to deepen their understanding of coastal and marine habitats such as coral reefs and mangroves, the RS Staff conducted a fieldtrip to Siladen and Bunaken islands, as part of its teambuilding activity. At the islands, staff went snorkelling to check the coral reefs.

The staff also interacted with the community in Siladen, particularly with women whose activities includes gathering and peeling Indian almonds that grow in the area and used them to make a local delicacy “halua,” similar to a candy bar, with brown palm sugar.

On Bunaken island, the staff saw the enormous amount of trash, which was mostly plastics that arrived with the currents. Such exposure to the threats to the marine environment intensifies the Staff’s resolution to support efforts to resolve the marine litter problems in the CTI-CFF.

Dr. Mohd Kushairi Mohd Rajuddin, Executive Director of the Regional Secretariat also demonstrated the correct safety and rescue procedures, especially while conducting water activities such as during boat trips, island observation and snorkeling/diving.

The teambuilding activity is intended to be an annual activity for the staff to enrich appreciation of the CTI-CFF to protect and conserve the marine and coastal resources of the region whilst promoting camaraderie and team spirit.