A high‑level European delegation — ambassadors and senior envoys from 13 EU member states — joined Indonesia’s conservation leaders in North Minahasa to witness firsthand the impact of the Marine Biodiversity and Coastal Fisheries Support in the Coral Triangle program.
Funded by the European Union through Germany’s KfW Development Bank and implemented with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Indonesia, the initiative strengthens marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and coastal livelihoods across North Sulawesi and Maluku. At the heart of the Coral Triangle, Minahasa Utara safeguards coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests — ecosystems that not only buffer Bunaken National Park but also sustain thousands of coastal families.
Delegates visited villages including Gangga Dua, Bahoi, Lihunu, Tarabitan, Bulutui, and Galo‑Galo, meeting local communities who have turned conservation into opportunity. EU Ambassador Denis Chaibi noted that Indonesia holds one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth and explained that through the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, the Union supports coral restoration, fisheries resilience, and new economic opportunities for coastal communities. He emphasized that this collaboration demonstrates how environmental protection can coexist with job creation and sustainable growth.
The program’s impact has been substantial. Twenty‑one marine protected areas have been established or strengthened, covering 1.63 million hectares of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass. Ecosystem‑based fisheries management has safeguarded twenty‑seven key fish species, while seasonal closures in Gangga Dua have helped fishers double their income from around Rp20 million to Rp48 million per season. Across the region, twenty‑nine community patrol groups and nineteen coastal enterprises now thrive, producing fish balls, banana chips, and other local products that empower women and diversify livelihoods. Community‑based ecotourism has also flourished, with snorkeling, homestays, and guided tours in Bahoi and Lihunu; in fact, Lihunu was recognized in 2024 as one of Indonesia’s Top 500 Tourism Villages (ADWI). Altogether, the initiative has reached 5,752 direct beneficiaries and 24,542 indirect beneficiaries through training, governance, and livelihood programs.
Local leaders expressed appreciation for the collaboration. Nandang Prihadi, Secretary of the Directorate General of KSDAE, conveyed that the visit highlighted best practices in conservation and community empowerment, and he extended gratitude to the EU, KfW, WCS, and all partners for their commitment. Governor Yulius Selvanus welcomed the delegation warmly, saying that the occasion was an honor for North Sulawesi and affirmed the province’s role in global sustainability while strengthening international synergy for its people and environment.
The EU and its partners stressed that this momentum should continue, encouraging broader public, philanthropic, and private support for sustainable fisheries, the blue economy, and nature‑based tourism. Their shared goal is to ensure that marine biodiversity remains central to Indonesia’s inclusive and sustainable blue‑growth agenda.
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