Coral Triangle Center Engages New Audiences at WOAH Festival

On 28 February 2026, Coral Triangle Center (CTC) joined the World Ocean Ambassador Hangout (WOAH) Festival at Pantai Mertasari, Sanur. Through a Tide Talk session, a panel discussion, and an information booth, the team engaged festival-goers and strengthened its presence within the conservation network.

During the Tide Talk session, the team took a refreshingly interactive approach, sharing information about the Adopt A Coral and Adopt A Mangrove programs. Rather than a straightforward lecture, the facilitator used riddles about mangrove and coral reef ecosystems to draw the audience in, encouraging participation and keeping energy high throughout the ten-minute session. Alongside introducing the programs, the facilitator also shared the progress and achievements of both adoption initiatives, giving participants a tangible sense of the restoration work already underway.

Later in the morning, CTC’s Executive Director, Rili Djohani, took part in a panel discussion on marine conservation efforts in Indonesia. She was joined by Edi Frommenwiler from Grand Blue Project, Emma Batty Sukerta from Alumni OceanX, and Leon Boey from Living Seas, with the session moderated by Steve Box, previously Smithsonian Global. The session explored broader marine conservation efforts in Indonesia and highlighted the importance of collaboration in scaling impact. It reinforced CTC’s role within the conservation network and its commitment to collective action.

Throughout the day, CTC also operated an information booth featuring educational materials and merchandise from Mola Shop. The booth served as a platform to connect directly with festival-goers, share insights about coastal ecosystems, and raise awareness of opportunities to support conservation through adoption programs.

Through continued participation in public events like the WOAH Festival, CTC remains committed to expanding its reach and inspiring more people to take part in protecting marine ecosystems.

Writer: Jaling Sim
Photos: Karenina/CTC