“I Love Coral Triangle” Event in Manado Town Square

Manado Town Square 3 buzzed with excitement as the “I Love Coral Triangle” event commemorating the Coral Triangle Day 2024 took center stage. Held on June 1-2, 2024, this vibrant celebration aimed to engage the public and raise awareness about the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF).

Visitors to the event were greeted by a massive LED screen showcasing captivating films about CTI-CFF’s work. The visual feast continued with a stunning photo exhibition featuring the top 40 entries from the Underwater Photo Competition, held on May 26, 2024, in Bunaken, North Sulawesi. The photos, captured by 23 talented photographers, mesmerized attendees with their breathtaking portrayal of the underwater world, drawing significant attention from the lively crowds at Mantos.

Over the two-day event, community involvement was at the forefront with a series of engaging competitions. Activities included a coloring contest for toddlers, a drawing competition for elementary school students, and a digital poster-making contest themed ‘Save the Reef’ for junior and high school students. The turnout was impressive: 55 toddlers, 24 elementary students, 11 junior high students, and 13 high school students participated, showcasing their creativity and commitment to ocean conservation.

Adding to the excitement was a singing competition featuring 11 finalists, judged by a panel of professionals, including a distinguished judge from Indonesian Idol 2014. Between competitions, the stage came alive with musical performances, engaging talk shows, and interactive quizzes.

The talk shows, hosted by the Indonesian Association of Photography Professionals (APFI) and the Indonesian Tourism Industry (IPI), provided insights into the recent underwater photo competition. They discussed the significance of underwater photography as a powerful educational and promotional tool to highlight the condition of marine environments.

Throughout the event, the master of ceremonies kept the energy high with various quizzes about CTI-CFF, which the audience eagerly participated in. These interactive segments were not just fun but educational, helping attendees understand the vital role of CTI-CFF in safeguarding their food resources and marine biodiversity.

The “I Love Coral Triangle” event was more than just a weekend of fun; it was a celebration of the ocean’s beauty and a call to action for its preservation. By bringing the community together through art, music, and education, the event successfully highlighted the importance of the Coral Triangle and CTI-CFF’s efforts to protect it.