Minister Trenggono Affirms Commitment To Expand Conservation Areas By 30 Percent In 2045

JAKARTA - Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono emphasized Indonesia's commitment to expand conservation areas by up to 30 percent of the total sea area by 2045.

He emphasized this when giving an online speech at the International Seminar 'Toward Indonesia Marine Conservation' in Jakarta, on Tuesday, December 5.

"This effort is part of Indonesia's commitment to contribute to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which targets 30 percent of global marine areas to be protected by 2030. Given national conditions, we need more time to realize this target, and plan to achieve it by 2045," Trenggono said in a written statement, Tuesday, December 5.

Minister Trenggono said there were many challenges to achieving this target. Not only in terms of financial and non-financial resources, but also ensuring that 30 percent protection has a positive impact on the community's environment and socio-economics.

"I also want to inform you that the protection of 30 percent of the sea area is part of the 5 KKP Blue economy strategy. The conservation area will support fish production, carbon absorption, and oxygen production from the sea," he said.

Applying 100 percent protection may provide full benefits to the environment, but according to Trenggono, the impact on local communities needs to be considered.

Meanwhile, applying a compromise level of protection, for example multipurpose conservation areas will benefit the community, but may reduce the effectiveness of conservation areas in protecting ecosystems.

"Economic, social, economic and governance considerations are very important before we make decisions to plan, design and manage Indonesia's conservation areas for current and future targets," he said.

Trenggono believes that through collaboration and communication with experts, organizations, as well as national and international partners, his party can overcome challenges in balancing and aligning protection and sustainable utilization in the management of the Conservation Area.

"We believe that Indonesia's challenge to achieve global targets is a common challenge for all countries," he said.