Nelson Amaral's Reflections on the Global Dialogue on Sustainable Ocean Development
1-5 July 2024
Location: Bali Beach Convention, The Meru Sanur, Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
From July 1-5, 2024, I had the privilege of representing the Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Timor-Leste at the Global Dialogue on Sustainable Ocean Development in Sanur, Bali, organized by the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership (GOAP). This gathering brought together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from around the world to discuss pressing issues facing our oceans and to chart a course towards sustainable ocean management. This event is also hosted by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia and Co-Chaired by the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador with the generous support of the United Kingdom's Blue Planet Fund.
"One inspiring moment was hearing success stories from countries that have implemented sustainable fishing practices," Nelson recalled. "It reinforced my belief that with dedication and collaboration, we can achieve a balance where both marine life and coastal communities thrive."
With Dr. Handoko Adi Susanto - Regional Project Manager of the GEF/UNDP/PEMSEA ATSEA-2 Project - One of the SOA Mentor.
"One of the highlights of the Dialogue was the deep dive into innovative solutions for balancing conservation and economic growth," Nelson shared. "We discussed the importance of integrating local knowledge with scientific research to develop policies that are not only effective but also inclusive of community needs."
Networking proved invaluable as well. I had the opportunity to exchange ideas with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering new partnerships and collaborations that I believe will be instrumental in advancing our shared goals.
One of the highlights for me was participating in a panel on "Community-Based Fisheries Management: Empowering Coastal Communities." Here, I shared Timor-Leste's experiences and successes in implementing community-driven approaches to fisheries management, emphasizing the importance of local knowledge and sustainable practices. It was inspiring to see how similar initiatives from other regions could be adapted and applied globally.
As the event concluded, a sense of urgency and optimism prevailed. While the challenges facing our oceans are formidable, the commitment and innovation showcased at the Global Dialogue reaffirmed my belief that solutions are within reach. Moving forward, I am eager to apply the insights gained from this experience to further strengthen Timor-Leste's efforts towards sustainable ocean management and conservation.
Nelson Amaral's experience at the Global Dialogue on Sustainable Ocean Development exemplifies the power of international collaboration in safeguarding our oceans for future generations. His dedication to sustainable fisheries management continues to inspire hope and drive positive change worldwide.
The Global Dialogue on Sustainable Ocean Development was not just a conference but a catalyst for action, inspiring participants to continue striving for a future where our oceans thrive alongside coastal communities worldwide.
Community Voices: From Coast to Ocean
The heart of the session resonated with voices from coastal communities, each offering unique perspectives on the urgent priorities and formidable challenges facing our changing oceans. The session's focus was encapsulated by the tagline: "From The Coast To The Ocean"
The Global Dialogue on Sustainable Ocean Development also brought together a distinguished panel of ministers and speakers to address critical issues and opportunities in achieving sustainable ocean economies by 2030.
Ministerial Panel: Achieving the Vision of 2030
The Ministerial Panel session focused on the systemic transformation required to foster sustainable ocean economies globally. Ministers from various nations, including Indonesia, Belize, Samoa, Palau, Papua New Guinea, and the Maldives, shared their national priorities and progress on ocean policy. They highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnerships in overcoming challenges and achieving sustainable development goals.
Keynote Address:
Hon. Luhut Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, emphasized the collective responsibility in ensuring the future of our oceans. He underscored Indonesia's commitment to sustainable practices and the creation of new models for collaboration that harness the potential of the blue economy.
Panelists' Perspectives
- Hon. Sakti Wahyu Trenggono (Indonesia) emphasized Indonesia's initiatives in marine affairs and fisheries, outlining strategic steps towards sustainable practices.
- Hon. Andrew Perez (Belize) highlighted the importance of integrating the blue economy with disaster risk management to build resilience and sustainability.
- Hon. Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster (Samoa) discussed Samoa's efforts in natural resources and environmental conservation, stressing the need for global support.
- Hon. Steven Victor (Palau) shared Palau's approach to balancing agriculture, fisheries, and environmental conservation for sustainable development.
- Hon. Jelta Wong (Papua New Guinea) outlined Papua New Guinea's strategies for fisheries and marine resources management, focusing on community engagement and sustainable practices.
- Hon. Hassaan Mohamed (Maldives) addressed climate change impacts on ocean ecosystems and the Maldives' efforts in environmental protection and energy management.
The Global Dialogue on Sustainable Ocean Development served as a crucial platform for exchanging ideas and forging partnerships towards a sustainable ocean future. Ministers and speakers reaffirmed their commitment to collective action, innovation, and inclusive growth to safeguard our oceans for generations to come.
With Hon. Steven Victor, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Palau
Key Takeaways
Attending the Global Dialogue on SustainableOcean Development in Sanur, Bali, was a transformative experience. Here are some key learnings I gained from the event:
- There was a strong emphasis on combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches to enhance sustainable ocean management. This approach respects and leverages the deep-rooted understanding indigenous communities have of their marine environments.
- Effective sustainable ocean development requires collaboration across various sectors, including government, private industry, NGOs, and local communities. The importance of creating synergies and shared goals among these stakeholders was highlighted.
- Discussions on innovative financing mechanisms, such as blue bonds and marine conservation funds, provided insights into how we can secure funding for long-term ocean sustainability projects. These mechanisms can attract private investment while ensuring environmental protection.
- The role of data and technology in monitoring ocean health and enforcing regulations was underscored. Advances in satellite imagery, AI, and blockchain can significantly improve our ability to track illegal activities and assess the effectiveness of conservation measures.
- Empowering local communities through education and engagement is crucial for the success of sustainable ocean initiatives. When communities understand the value of their marine resources and are involved in decision-making processes, conservation efforts are more likely to succeed.
- The need for robust policy frameworks and governance structures was a recurring theme. Effective policies should be adaptive, inclusive, and enforceable to address the dynamic nature of marine ecosystems and the challenges they face.
- Strategies to enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems to climate change were a major focus. This includes protecting and restoring critical habitats like mangroves and coral reefs, which serve as natural barriers against climate impacts.
- Balancing global initiatives with local needs and contexts is essential. Global frameworks and agreements provide important guidelines, but local implementation must consider specific cultural, economic, and environmental conditions.
Conclusion
Attending the Global Dialogue on Sustainable Ocean Development was an enlightening and inspiring experience. Representing SOA Timor-Leste, I was proud to contribute to the discussions and learn from the global community. The insights and connections gained will undoubtedly influence our work towards sustainable fisheries management in Timor-Leste. Thank you to Sustainable Ocean Alliance for trusting me to represent our nation and our hub SOA Timor-Leste, and to GOAP for organizing such an impactful event. Let's continue working together towards a sustainable future where oceans thrive alongside human prosperity.
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SOA Timor-Leste Media