CTC Center for Marine Conservation Hosts Blue Futures Talk Show for Emerging Ocean Leaders

Young people are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of ocean conservation, bringing fresh ideas, innovation, and community-driven solutions to some of the region’s most pressing marine challenges.

In celebration of Coral Triangle Day, the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) organized the “Blue Futures: Youth and Young Professionals Driving Ocean Stewardship in the Coral Triangle” hybrid talk show on June 9, 2026, held at the CTC Center for Marine Conservation in Sanur, Bali. The event brought together emerging leaders from across the Coral Triangle to share inspiring stories, innovative ideas, and practical solutions for protecting the region’s marine resources. Participants joined both in person at CTC-CMC and virtually from around the world, creating a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange on the future of ocean stewardship.

CTC’s Nusa Penida Site Coordinator Tabitha Rudang, shared how Blue Economy initiatives in the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA) are creating sustainable livelihood opportunities while supporting the long-term conservation of marine ecosystems. Her presentation highlighted the importance of empowering coastal communities to become active partners in conservation and demonstrated how sustainable development and healthy oceans can go hand in hand.

The discussion featured an inspiring lineup of youth leaders and conservation practitioners, including Shamnee Sugoho, CTI-CFF Youth Ambassador from Papua New Guinea; Gagah Gumelar, Founder and Chairman of Ecoway Indonesia; Nadea Nabilla, Founder and Director of Azura Indonesia; and Mark Joseph Laceste, CTI-CFF Youth Ambassador from the Philippines. Together, they shared diverse perspectives on youth leadership, entrepreneurship, and community action in advancing ocean stewardship across the Coral Triangle.

The exchange of ideas, experiences, and innovative approaches reinforced a shared commitment to empowering young people as drivers of positive change. By fostering dialogue and collaboration across borders, the event demonstrated that the future of the Coral Triangle depends not only on healthy marine ecosystems, but also on the passion, leadership, and collective action of the next generation of ocean stewards.

Writer: Kayla Azzahra
Photos: Adam Putra/CTC