There is an interesting story from Southeast Sulawesi in the next 12 days, from October 14-25, 2016. WWF-Indonesia and Reef Check Indonesia Foundation are leading an expedition team in Southeast Sulawesi waters. The Southeast Sulawesi Expedition (XPDCSULTRA) covers the Lasolo Bay Marine Nature Park (TWAL), the Regional Marine Conservation Area (MPA) of Southeast Sulawesi Province, and outside the conservation area, namely Wawonii Island. The expedition team will conduct data collection at 41 dive points and 8 target villages spread across the three regions.

Southeast Sulawesi, which is dominated by 75% water or 114,879 km2, is a potential sea with various types of biodiversity. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) were established as a marine area management tool to improve the protection of ecosystems and the biodiversity contained therein. Since 2014, the Southeast Sulawesi Provincial Government has initiated the Southeast Sulawesi MPA to support sustainable fisheries management for the sustainability of the livelihoods and welfare of its people.

XPDCSULTRA aims to compile baseline data on the status and trends of coral reef ecosystems; habitat, population distribution, and threats faced by protected and endangered marine species; and fisheries profiles in Southeast Sulawesi waters. The reason is that the three areas that are the scope of the expedition area do not yet have complete baseline information on the condition of ecosystems, biodiversity, and management of capture and aquaculture fisheries. In fact, this is very much needed to encourage the establishment of conservation areas that have been reserved, even as recommendations for the reservation of new conservation areas.

The expedition, which used WWF-Indonesia's Menami Ranger Station (FRS), involved 22 people, consisting of 15 ecological team members, 1 species team member, and 2 fisheries team members. Today, all XPDCSULTRA participants have gathered on board Menami to begin the training. Anchored in Kendari Bay, the Menami is not only their floating home, but also their place of learning. For the first two days, all teams attended workshops to harmonize research methods, hone fish estimation and identification skills, and determine the shape of coral reef growth.

In this expedition, WWF-Indonesia also collaborated with partners and researchers from the Marine and Fisheries Service (DKP) of Southeast Sulawesi Province, Lasolo Bay TWAL Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA), Wakatobi National Park Center, Makassar Coastal and Marine Resources Management Center (BPSPL), Halu Uleo University (UHO), Muhammadyah University Kendari, and Bahari Foundation. This expedition is also a follow-up to the signing of a collaboration between WWF-Indonesia with UHO and DKP of Southeast Sulawesi Province some time ago.

On Monday, October 17, 2016, the Menami Ship will sail from Kendari Bay to the north, up to Labengki Island, which is included in the Lasolo Bay TWAL in North Konawe Regency, then back south to Wawonii Island, Konawe Islands Regency. Upon their return to Kendari Bay, XPDCSULTRA is expected to encourage the establishment of MPAs, and provide management recommendations to support the sustainable use of marine resources. Thus, the results will provide a positive impact from the establishment of a conservation area.