On 5 July 2024, global experts and development partners gathered at the Global Dialogue on Sustainable Ocean Development in Bali, Indonesia, to discuss the importance of increasing support for sustainable ocean transitions and propose new models for cooperation and regional partnerships. The event, organised by the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership (GOAP), attracted approximately 300 participants, all contributing valuable insights to the discussion. The ATSEA-2 Project was honoured to be part of the panel session titled “Closing the Gap: Enhancing Cooperation and Partnerships for Ocean Conservation.”
Moderated by Angelique Pouponneau, former CEO of the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT), the session featured several distinguished panellists. Among them were Dr Handoko Adi Susanto, ATSEA-2 Regional Project Manager; Amanda McLoughlin OBE, Minister-Counsellor for Development for Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN Foundation at UK FCDO; Dr Hide Sakaguchi, President of the Ocean Policy Research Institute at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation; Oskar Lecuyer, Environmental Economist at the Agence Française de Développement; Celly Catharina, Lead Senior Marine Program Specialist at USAID Indonesia Marine and Fisheries Sector; Jan Yoshioka, Vice President of Sustainable Finance for the Asia-Pacific Region at Conservation International; Rebekah Mawson, Policy and Partnerships Manager at The Nature Conservancy; and Noah Greenberg, Blue Economy Director at the Waitt Institute.
During the session, Dr Susanto shared insights on the ATSEA-2 Project, which was launched in 2019 and builds on the successes of the earlier ATSEA-1 project. The initiative has significantly impacted the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region by promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life for local communities. He emphasised the establishment of the ATS Regional Governance Mechanism (RGM) to support the implementation of the joint ten-year Strategic Action Programme (SAP). This mechanism, as Dr Susanto explained, plays a crucial role in fostering coordinated actions and resource sharing among the four ATS countries: Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste.
The ATSEA-2 Project has achieved several significant milestones, such as the endorsement of a Regional Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) Plan for Red Snapper Fisheries, which has helped promote sustainable fishing practices and effective management of fish stocks. Dr Susanto also highlighted their efforts in pollution and oil spill management, including a partnership with Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) that has boosted the project’s capacity to address marine pollution challenges. In addition, the project has supported the protection of over 815,000 hectares of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and adopted a Sea Turtle Regional Action Plan to conserve critical habitats and protect endangered species.
Dr Susanto shared insights from the ATSEA-2 Project. Launched in 2019, ATSEA-2 builds on the Community engagement that has been a cornerstone of the ATSEA-2 Project, with over 85,000 individuals participating in various activities, many of which focus on alternative livelihoods and financial literacy training. These efforts have been particularly beneficial for women’s groups, enhancing their participation and leadership in governance and management. Reflecting on the project’s success, Dr Susanto noted, “We’ve established the ATS RGM to support the joint ten-year SAP, fostering coordinated actions and resource sharing among Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste.”
Dr Susanto emphasised the importance of taking an integrated and participatory approach to collaboration, which involves engaging local communities, government agencies, NGOs, academia, and the private sector in planning and decision-making. This inclusive approach ensures that all perspectives are heard and valued, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment to sustainability goals. He further stressed the importance of institutionalising sustainable practices by integrating them into national and local development plans, which ensures long-term commitment and funding. Dr Susanto concluded with a powerful message for the future: “By focusing on these priorities, adopting an integrated and participatory approach and institutionalising sustainable practices, we can overcome barriers and accelerate progress towards sustainable ocean development.”
In addition to presenting its achievements, ATSEA-2 took this opportunity to expand its network with global experts and organisations. By actively engaging with key players in ocean conservation, the project aims to foster new partnerships and collaboration opportunities to enhance its impact in the region. Dr Susanto noted the importance of learning from international best practices and adapting them to local contexts, saying, “This event not only allowed us to share our progress but also opened doors for new dialogues and cooperation, which are crucial for addressing the transboundary environmental challenges we face in the ATS region.”
The session highlighted the importance of international cooperation and strong leadership in achieving sustainable ocean development. As the panellists agreed, partnerships are key to success, and leadership or a local champion, whether at the government or community level, is essential for driving meaningful and long-term impact.
This article has been published on IW:LEARN Bulletin
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