Grooving for Corals in Bolaangmongondow Selatan!

In the heart of North Sulawesi, nestled between lush forests and sparkling seas, lies the enchanting district of Bolaangmongondow Selatan, affectionately known as Bolsel. And on a breezy Thursday, the 9th of May 2024, something special was stirring in the salty air. It was World Coral Day and Coral Triangle Day, and Bolsel was abuzz with excitement.

The District Government of Bolsel had extended a warm invitation to the esteemed team from CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat (RS). The mission was to join in a coral planting extravaganza at the stunning H2M Resort in Motandoi.

With a team led by the dynamic Executive Director, Dr. Frank Keith Griffin, and accompanied by the Deputy Executive Directors Christovel RS. Rotinsulu and Hanung Cahyono, the RS crew, were geared up for a day of marine conservation and adventure.

As the clock struck 10 a.m., the team rolled into place, greeted by the lively sight of the fun dive already underway. Scheduled for 11:30 was the eagerly anticipated coral planting ceremony. However, Mother Nature had other ideas for the day, as heavy rain clouds converged above, showering the scene in a deluge of rain. Yet, undeterred by the downpour, the CTI-CFF RS team remained steadfast in their commitment to the cause.

In the face of adversity, the show had to go on. So, armed with coral fragments and unwavering determination, the RS’ scuba divers, including Mr. Christovel Rotinsulu, Mr. Fritzgerald Wenur and Mr. Solomon Sundah, plunged into the depths. Their mission: to sow the seeds of new life in the house reef of the resort. With each careful placement, they painted a picture of a future where these reefs thrived and flourished, rain or shine.

Amidst the rain-soaked reef, another celebration was underway. The Bolsel government proudly inaugurated their Paragliding Team, a thrilling partnership with the Indonesian Air Force that promised breathtaking aerial views of the coastline below.  The data generated would also contribute to the management of protected areas within the Coral Triangle area.

For Bolsel, this day was more than just a commemoration; it was a pledge to protect and preserve their precious coral reefs through sustainable tourism practices. They vowed to continue their participation in Coral Triangle Day celebrations for years to come. It's a proud sight to behold the spirit of camaraderie, partnership and conservation gleaming in the eyes of the officials, the scuba divers and the people of Bolsel.