CTC Welcomes International Delegations to the Center for Marine Conservation in Sanur

In October 2026, Coral Triangle Center (CTC) welcomed two international gatherings at the CTC Center for Marine Conservation in Sanur, Bali, highlighting the Center’s role as a hub for marine conservation learning, knowledge exchange, and collaboration.

On 4-5 October, CTC hosted a delegation from Taiwan’s Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA), Ocean Affairs Council (OAC), for an exchange on marine protected area (MPA) management, community participation, and sustainable livelihoods. The delegation was led by Ms. Hsiao-Hsia Li, Deputy Director-General of OCA, accompanied by representatives from OCA’s Marine Wildlife Conservation Division and Planning Division, as well as a research fellow from the Taiwan Society for Ocean Law, Policy and Governance.

The visit began with field visits to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, where the delegation learned firsthand how local communities contribute to marine and coastal conservation. Members of the Gili Bhuana Local Community group shared their experiences in coral restoration through the Reef Star/MARRS programme, seaweed farming, as well as the community’s experience in managing and protecting local mangrove areas.

These visits provided practical insights into how community involvement supports MPA management while creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and economic benefits. Discussions also highlighted the importance of blue carbon ecosystems, particularly mangroves and seagrass, in marine conservation.

CTC Executive Director Rili Djohani then welcomed the delegation to the CTC Center for Marine Conservation in Sanur. She introduced CTC’s mission, programmes, and approach to marine conservation, followed by an engaging exchange on shared priorities and experiences. The delegation also toured the Center’s exhibition hall, exploring its educational displays and learning facilities.

As Taiwan advances its work on marine Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) under its Marine Conservation Act, the visit provided an opportunity to exchange experiences in MPA management, community-based conservation, and OECM development. The discussions reinforced the value of regional cooperation in protecting marine biodiversity while supporting coastal communities.

The Center welcomed another international gathering on 21 October, when approximately 90 members of the Swiss community attended a networking session hosted by H.E. Konstantin Obolensky, Swiss Ambassador to Indonesia. This marked the second Swiss Embassy event held at CTC this year, reflecting a growing relationship between CTC and the Embassy.

The gathering offered an opportunity to introduce CTC’s marine conservation work to a wider international audience. During the event, Ambassador Obolensky toured the Center with Rili Djohani, who introduced CTC’s programmes and conservation initiatives. The Ambassador and guests showed particular enthusiasm for the exhibition hall and facilities, which provide an engaging space to learn about the Coral Triangle’s rich marine biodiversity and the importance of protecting it.

The event also opened conversations about potential future collaboration, including a fundraising dinner at the Swiss Embassy in support of CTC and the Grand Blue Project, as well as corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives with the hospitality industry.

Together, these visits demonstrate how the CTC Center for Marine Conservation serves as more than an educational facility. It is a space where international partners, government representatives, local communities, and other stakeholders can connect, exchange knowledge, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Writer: Kayla Azzahra
Photos: CMC, Kayla Azzahra/CTC