Leave Nothing But Bubbles, Capture Nothing But the Coral Beauty of Bunaken

The sun shone brightly on May 26, 2024, as 23 talented underwater photographers from North Sulawesi gathered at the Youth Center port in Kawasan Mega Mas, ready to participate in the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) Underwater Photo Competition. These professionals, armed with cameras of all shapes and sizes, gathered to compete in the competition to commemorate Coral Triangle Day 2024.

The weather was perfect, setting the stage for an unforgettable day of diving and photography. Participants dived into two of Bunaken’s most renowned diving spots, Muka Kampung and Likuan, both famous for their abundant marine life, especially the majestic sea turtles that graced the depths.

This event wasn't just about capturing beautiful images; it was a celebration of the rich marine biodiversity of Bunaken and a powerful statement in support of coral reef conservation. Through their stunning visual works, photographers aimed to use their photographs to raise awareness and educate the public on the importance of protecting these vital ecosystems, exemplifying the phase: “a picture paints a thousand words”.

The competition was judged by three highly experienced and respected figures in the underwater photography community: Ben Sarinda, Nelson Uada, and Franky Runtukahu. Each judge brought a wealth of experience, having served on juries for international competitions, ensuring that the best photos would be recognized and celebrated.

Organized with the support of the Professional Photographers Association (Asosiasi Profesi Fotografi Indonesia Pengurus Daerah Sulawesi Utara – APFI Sulut) and Indonesian Tourism Community (Insan Pariwisata Indonesia Sulawesi Utara – IPI Sulut), the event ran smoothly and professionally. The opening ceremony was graced by Dr. Frank Keith Griffin, Executive Director of CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, Mr. Henry Kaitjily, Head of Tourism Agency, and Mrs. Tienneke Adam, Head of Marine and Fisheries Agency of North Sulawesi, highlighting the importance of this event in promoting both tourism and marine conservation.

Adding to the significance of the event, the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat team joined the trip, witnessing firsthand the vibrant underwater scenery that is a part of the Coral Triangle, a region renowned for its extraordinary marine biodiversity. Also lending their support to the event were the Indonesian Water Police and the National Search and Rescue (SAR) Team of Indonesia.

The best 40 photos from the competition will be showcased in an exhibition at Manado Town Square during the Coral Triangle Day event. The grand prize winner will be honored at the CTI-CFF's 15th Anniversary Celebration, making this not just a competition but a momentous occasion to promote marine conservation and celebrate the beauty of Bunaken's underwater world.

Overall, the underwater photo competition in Bunaken was more than just an event; it was a colorful, vibrant, and deeply meaningful tribute to the Coral Triangle, capturing its beauty while promoting conservation efforts.