The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), in collaboration with the Raja Ampat Regency’s Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office (DKP), conducted a socialization campaign on marine litter prevention and management, followed by a beach clean-up event in mid-2024. This event, funded through a GEF 6 CFI Indonesia grant, was held at the PKK Hall in Saporkren Village, South Waigeo District, Raja Ampat.

This socialization and clean-up event is part of the GEF 6 CFI program’s support for the KKP’s Blue Economy priority agenda.

Speaking on behalf of the Regent of Raja Ampat, the Regent’s Political Affairs Expert Staff, Albert Kaihatu, emphasized that as one of the world’s renowned marine tourism destinations, Raja Ampat bears a major responsibility to preserve the beauty and sustainability of its marine environment.

He stated that marine waste is a serious issue that threatens marine ecosystems, public health, and the sustainability of tourism.

Albert expressed his hope that this socialization would raise the community awareness regarding the importance of preventing and managing marine waste. "I urge the public, community groups, private sector, government, and every individual to take an active role in keeping the environment free from waste," he said (24/7/2024).

He added that this socialization, followed by the beach and marine clean-up, represented a shared commitment to environmental cleanliness. He hoped that the event will go beyond symbolism and become a concrete step toward ensuring that the coastal and marine areas remain free of waste, especially plastic. "I extend my gratitude to UNIPA and GEF-6 (CFI Indonesia) for partnering with the Raja Ampat Regency Government to make this activity happen," said Albert Kaihatu.

He also called on all participants to strengthen their commitment to environmental conservation, especially the sea and beaches of Raja Ampat, to support tourism development. "Let us use this event as a momentum to reaffirm our commitment to preserving nature," he urged.

The socialization materials on waste management were delivered by Jhonny Patris Umalan from the Environmental Agency of Raja Ampat and Dr. Djumiati Mustiah, an academic from the University of Papua (UNIPA).

Zulaida Kelibay, Head of the Division of Fishery Product Processing, Marketing, and Competitiveness at the Raja Ampat Fisheries Service, stated that this activity aimed to educate the Saporkren villagers so they can manage and utilize waste for useful purposes. With proper waste management, the environment becomes cleaner and more attractive for tourists visiting Saporkren Tourism Village.

According to Zulaida, the activity involved local fishermen, women, and youth. This socialization program, funded by GEF-6 CFI Indonesia, is also expected to serve as a reference for future initiatives.

CFI Indonesia focuses on The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Eastern Indonesia (Fisheries Management Areas—FMAs 715, 717 & 718), particularly under Components A, B, and D. The program is a collaboration between the KKP—specifically the Directorate of Fish Resource Management under the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries—and WWF US GEF Agency in support of KKP's Blue Economy program.