SYDNEY, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesia, Australia, and Papua New Guinea signed the Sydney Declaration during the 2nd Arafura and Timor Seas Ministerial Forum in Sydney, Australia. This declaration focuses on preserving the biodiversity of the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) and establishes a regional governance mechanism for the implementation of the Strategic Action Plan (SAP) from 2024 to 2033.

The Sydney Declaration aims to address several key environmental challenges in the region, including marine litter, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF), and oil spill pollution. These issues have been identified as major threats to the health of the Arafura and Timor Seas, which are vital to the livelihoods of coastal communities and the region’s marine biodiversity.

Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, Indonesia’s Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, emphasized the country’s commitment to protecting marine biodiversity, ensuring sustainable fisheries, and enhancing food security and the well-being of coastal populations. As part of these efforts, Indonesia has developed an innovative Ocean Big Data system, which serves as a marine balance sheet to monitor and analyze the state of the ocean and provide real-time data on marine resource management.

Trenggono also stressed the importance of aquaculture in protecting fish populations. Indonesia has developed sustainable aquaculture models to increase fish production without over-relying on wild fish stocks. These efforts align with the goals of the ATSEA program, which seeks to reduce the pressure on fisheries resources by promoting sustainable aquaculture practices.

The Minister further explained that the development of sustainable aquaculture models is a key part of Indonesia’s Blue Economy strategy, which prioritizes ecological health in resource management. Indonesia is also expanding conservation areas, implementing quota-based fisheries management policies, and taking active steps to reduce plastic waste in the ocean by involving fishermen in cleanup efforts.

“Indonesia is committed to promoting the implementation of the Blue Economy concept, where ocean health is a top priority in managing resources in the Arafura and Timor Seas,” said Trenggono. This statement reflects Indonesia’s broader vision for the sustainable management of marine resources and the protection of marine ecosystems in the region.

The Sydney Declaration and its accompanying strategic action plan represent a significant step forward in the collaborative efforts of Indonesia, Australia, and Papua New Guinea to safeguard the Arafura and Timor Seas. By working together, the three nations aim to address pressing environmental challenges and ensure the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems and coastal communities in the region.

Indonesia’s active participation in the forum underscores its commitment to regional cooperation and environmental conservation. The signing of the declaration is a demonstration of the growing importance of international collaboration in preserving marine ecosystems, combating illegal fishing, and promoting sustainable fisheries in one of the world’s most biodiverse marine areas.

As part of the ongoing initiatives to protect the seas, the three countries are committed to continuing their dialogue and collaboration to implement the strategic action plan effectively. This includes addressing emerging challenges, enhancing regional cooperation, and ensuring that the health of the Arafura and Timor Seas remains a shared priority.( Uki Ruknuddin)

 

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