ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Australia and Indonesia have launched a regional initiative to strengthen marine conservation and sustainable ocean governance, bringing together senior government officials and maritime experts from across Southeast Asia to deepen cooperation on protecting one of the world’s most strategically important marine regions.
The inaugural Regional Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Workshop, held in Jakarta on Wednesday, convened representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Australia. The meeting focused on expanding collaboration in marine conservation, sharing best practices in managing Marine Protected Areas, and advancing implementation of the landmark Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
The initiative underscores the growing recognition that healthy and resilient oceans are vital to safeguarding food security, fisheries, tourism, biodiversity, and long-term economic growth across Southeast Asia.
“Today’s workshop highlights the value of partnership in protecting our oceans while supporting the communities and economies that depend on them,” said Alex Oates of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
“By bringing together marine experts and government officials from across Southeast Asia, we are creating opportunities to exchange knowledge, strengthen professional networks, and build practical cooperation to address shared maritime challenges,” he said.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries described the workshop as an important milestone in reinforcing regional cooperation on sustainable ocean management.
“We are proud to co-host the first Regional MPA Workshop with Australia, reflecting our shared commitment to advancing regional cooperation for sustainable ocean management,” said Dr. Firdaus Agung of the ministry.
He said the workshop provides an important platform for regional partners to exchange knowledge, strengthen institutional capacity, and expand collaboration on Marine Protected Areas and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with regional countries to promote effective ocean governance and the sustainable use of shared marine resources,” he added.
Participants also exchanged practical experiences on marine spatial planning, protected area governance, monitoring, enforcement, and marine scientific research while identifying new opportunities for future regional collaboration.
Marine Protected Areas are widely regarded as essential instruments for conserving marine biodiversity, restoring fish stocks, strengthening ecosystem resilience, and helping countries fulfill their obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They also play an increasingly important role in supporting climate adaptation and the sustainable blue economy.
The workshop was organized under Australia’s Southeast Asia Maritime Partnerships program, which supports regional partners in addressing evolving maritime challenges through stronger institutional capacity, technical cooperation, and policy coordination.
As environmental pressures, climate change, and strategic competition continue to reshape the Indo-Pacific, the initiative reflects a growing commitment among regional partners to strengthen rules-based maritime governance, enhance marine environmental protection, and ensure that the region’s oceans remain a foundation for peace, stability, and sustainable prosperity. (AT Network)
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