By: Natalia Trita Agnika

"We see the air is gray in color

Branch loses forest"

The excerpt from the poem "Reading Signs" by Taufiq Ismail was read by Benja V. Mambai, WWF-Indonesia's Papua Program Director at the launch of WWF-Indonesia and HSBC's Partnership for Marine Conservation in Eastern Indonesia on Wednesday (28/10) in Jakarta. Everyone present seemed to be absorbed in contemplating the signs of nature that harmonize with what is happening now. If the abundance of natural resources is not matched by responsible and sustainable management, one day we will not be able to enjoy it anymore.

Eastern Indonesia has tremendous natural resources. The Imam duo, Imam Syuhada (Strategic Leader Program Papua Bird Head / Cendrawasih Bay WWF-Indonesia) and Imam Musthofa (Strategic Leader Program Coral Triangle WWF-Indonesia) in an interesting presentation explained why Eastern Indonesia is so special. Eastern Indonesia is included in the Coral Triangle which is the center of marine biodiversity in the world. As many as 76% of the world's coral species are found in the Coral Triangle region. And the business value obtained from marine tourism in the Coral Triangle region reaches 12 billion US dollars. Not only that, but 40% of the world's tuna production comes from the Coral Triangle region. But there are so many challenges that threaten the potential of these natural resources, such as illegal fishing, garbage, and irresponsible marine tourism practices.

The Marine Conservation Program for Eastern Indonesia, a collaboration between WWF-Indonesia and HSBC, is one way to address the threats to marine sustainability in the region. The partnership commitment was signed by Dr. Efransjah (WWF-Indonesia), Kemal Stamboel (WWF-Indonesia Board), Caecilia Adinoto (HSBC Indonesia), and Tony Turner (Bank Ekonomi, member of HSBC Group) and witnessed by Drs. Mulyoto, M.M (Head of Marine and Fisheries Training Center, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia) and Marlina Efrida (Financial Services Authority). The program aims to empower the people of Eastern Indonesia for sustainable development in the areas of environmental education, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, responsible marine tourism, whale shark conservation, as well as sanitation and waste management.

HSBC's donation to the program is part of its global investment in society in conjunction with HSBC's 150th anniversary. "HSBC has partnered with WWF in global conservation efforts in various countries since the 1990s," explained Nuni Sutyoko, Head of Corporate Sustainibility HSBC Indonesia. In Indonesia, HSBC has supported WWF-Indonesia's conservation efforts in Rimbang Baling through the Tiger Water and Habitat Project, Panda Mobile Environmental Education to schools, and now in marine conservation in Eastern Indonesia.

In his remarks, Dr. Efransjah, CEO of WWF-Indonesia said, "WWF-Indonesia welcomes this new collaboration with HSBC to enhance our growing efforts in Eastern Indonesia to promote ocean sustainability as a valuable asset for people's lives."

Coinciding with the commemoration of Youth Pledge Day, the launch of the WWF-Indonesia and HSBC partnership program was themed "Youth for East IndonesiaYouth for East Indonesia". A number of WWF-Indonesia Honorary Supporters representing the youth of Indonesia attended the discussion on the face of marine conservation in Eastern Indonesia with moderator Andini Effendi. They were Ario Bayu, Davina Veronica, Trinity, Marcel Chandrawinata, and Mischa Chandrawinata.

In the discussion, Trinity as a writer and blogger who has visited various regions in Indonesia said that Eastern Indonesia is her favorite region. Unfortunately, public transportation is still minimal. The same goes for waste management. There are still many parties who do not care about the waste problem.

Next, Marcel Chandrawinata shared about his experience as a one-day "teacher" on WWF-Indonesia's KM Gurano Bintang environmental monitoring and education ship operating around Teluk Cendrawasih National Park, Papua. His twin brother Mischa Chandrawinata also shared about the tourism services developed by his family in Raja Ampat, Papua. "We always tell our friends who will come to our resort to always respect and protect the environment. We also encourage the children around the resort to protect the natural resources they have by not littering," he said.

To the youth, Efransjah advised, "The younger generation must be more aware than the current generation so that our treasures are not damaged." The event, held at Kembang Goela, Jakarta, was closed with the song "Tanah Air" by Jamaica Café and Shera Fanesha.