Young journalists Dita and Reina interviewing Dr Ir. Fadel Muhammad at the conference

17 December 2009: Story filed by Plan-supported young reporters Dita and Reina from Indonesia.

Protecting the oceans must not be overlooked in the fight against climate change, the Indonesian head of a new coalition of island nations told the Copenhagen talks.

With so much of the focus on forests, greenhouse gases and disasters, Chairman of the newly-formed Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI), Dr Ir. Fadel Muhammad, Indonesia's minister of maritime affairs and fisheries, said the seas’ role in mitigating climate change should not be ignored.

Marking Oceans Day at the United Nations talks, he said although many oceans are affected by global warming, they also absorb more than 30% of the carbon dioxide emissions.

“If we are talking about the environment, and our future, we need to include the ocean,” he told a press conference.

Coral coalition

The coalition, formed in March this year by Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and the Philippines, adopted a 10-year plan of action to avert the growing threats to the region's coral reefs, fish, mangroves, vulnerable species and other vital marine and coastal living resources.

Dr Ir Fadel reminded people of the vital role of the ocean in his country’s existence.

“The sea makes Indonesia what it is. It surrounds us and flows among us, provides food and income, and forms the backbone of many of our values, our heritage and culture,” he said.

New ocean policies

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced a 3-part plan for the CIT in Indonesia – with new ocean policies, financial support and an ocean centre. He has also allocated US$5,000,000 for the CTI project – earmarked for improving coral reefs.

The coral triangle is also part of a wider region that contains an impressive 51 of the world's 70 mangrove species and some 23 of the 50 sea grass species. Vital to livelihood of 120,000,000 people, the coral triangle is more than just a source of food. It represents a way of life fostered across generations by a close dependence on the marine environment.

“Bali will be the showroom of the CTI,” he added.

Since the children and youth are the future, appreciation and awareness of the ocean as well as how it is threatened by climate change needs to be improved, Hendra Yusran Siry, the planner of Agency for Marine and Fisheries Research told the conference.  And the role of children and how they can be involved is key, he said.

Dita and Reina are among 11 Plan-supported young journalists interviewing world leaders on their plans to tackle climate change at the Copenhagen conference. Find out more about the young journalists. 

Learn about Plan's global work on child participation.