ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesia and Asia Pacific countries discussed collaborative steps at the regional level to face the challenges of climate change in the region through innovative solutions using an ocean-based approach at the Regional Dialogue on Ocean-Based Climate Action (OBCA) which was held in Bangkok, on Thursday, September 19 2024.
Director General of Marine and Marine Spatial Management, Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Victor Gustaaf Manoppo said that sea-based climate action offers a great opportunity to strengthen environmental and social resilience, as well as support the economic sustainability of coastal communities.
“Indonesia believes that by optimizing the role of the sea in mitigating climate change in this region, it can create solutions that have a positive impact on future generations and strengthen efforts to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Under Water),” he said.
As part of the OBCA, Indonesia is also collaborating with other island countries, including Fiji and the Maldives, in drafting a joint resolution to accelerate ocean-based climate action at the international level.
In 2023, Indonesia participated in initiating UN ESCAP Resolution 79/2, which aims to strengthen member countries’ commitment to protecting and preserving marine resources as part of climate change mitigation efforts.
Victor also said that Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to play an important role in this global agenda, in line with the country’s position which has vast sea areas and extraordinary wealth of coastal resources.
On the sidelines of the OBCA agenda, Victor, who also led the Republic of Indonesia Delegation, held a bilateral meeting with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). This meeting discussed a number of important issues related to Indonesia’s maritime and climate policies as well as the potential for international cooperation.
During the meeting, Victor explained five marine program priorities, including the target of developing marine protected areas to reach 30% by 2045.
Currently, Indonesia has succeeded in recording around 10% of the total target, supported by a comprehensive national strategy.
“Indonesia will add a new sector to the 2nd Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), namely the maritime sector. “In this sector, two climate actions have been identified, namely climate change mitigation through the development of seagrass-based Blue Carbon as the first initiative in the Asia Pacific region, and adaptation through management of conservation areas to support coastal resilience and blue food security,” he explained.
Information regarding the latest developments regarding the Blue Economy Roadmap 2023-2045 which has been issued by Indonesia. One important component in the roadmap is the application of ocean accounting which is used to monitor and calculate the impact of blue economy policies on the environment.
UNESCAP Executive Secretary, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana appreciated Indonesia’s commitment to the OBCA initiative and emphasized the importance of ESCAP’s role as the right forum to discuss maritime issues in the Asia Pacific.
With the geographical characteristics of this region, UNESCAP emphasizes that maritime issues are transboundary in nature and therefore require close cooperation at the regional level.
“UNESCAP provides full support for the development of the Mangroves Center training center in Bali and is exploring the potential for further discussions regarding financing and investment with development partners.
“It is hoped that Indonesia can play a leading role in cooperation between countries, especially in Pillar 1 and Pillar 4 which are discussed in this Regional Dialogue, including South-South Cooperation and collaboration with other partner countries,” explained Armida.
UNESCAP also mentioned the opportunity to bring the results of this regional dialogue to COP-29 and promote it through the Indonesian Pavilion or UN Pavilion, as a form of Indonesia’s contribution to global climate action. (AT Network)
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