TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry is collaborating with global research organization OceanX to strengthen the management and protection of seven marine national parks.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday that the collaboration aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's directive to enhance conservation management through scientific data.
"Marine conservation management must be based on strong scientific data and research. The Ministry of Forestry is fully committed to improving the management of Indonesia's marine national parks, including expanding baseline data, mapping underwater topography, and conducting biodiversity inventories," he outlined.
He noted that his ministry manages seven marine national parks known for their rich ecosystems and high biodiversity: Wakatobi, Thousand Islands, Takabonerate, Cenderawasih Bay, Togean, Karimunjawa, and Bunaken national parks.
The ministry also oversees Komodo National Park, which encompasses both terrestrial and marine conservation areas.
"We are the Ministry of Forestry, but our authority also covers marine areas—such as Komodo, Wakatobi, Thousand Islands, Cenderawasih Bay, and Togean national parks; seven marine parks in total. We are open to collaboration," he said.
Antoni added that his ministry is not only reviewing and evaluating conservation areas, but also pursuing marine ecosystem restoration efforts, including coral reef restoration.
Therefore, the collaboration with OceanX is expected to bolster the availability of scientific data to underpin the management and protection of marine conservation areas.
Vincent Pieribone, CEO and Chief Science Officer of OceanX, said his organization has completed two research missions in Indonesia and is currently focusing on marine biodiversity research in North Sulawesi.
Under the collaboration, OceanX will assist in collecting spatial and biodiversity data across conservation areas.
All data generated will belong to the Ministry of Forestry to serve as a foundation for science-based policymaking.
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