RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has called for urgent global cooperation to restore marine ecosystems threatened by climate change, pollution, and illegal fishing during the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 in Davos, Switzerland.

Speaking at the Velocity of the Blue Economy forum on Thursday, January 22, local time, Indonesian Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono warned that ocean degradation poses a serious risk to the world.

“Our oceans face grave threats: warming waters, rising acidity, declining fish stocks, and widespread pollution. The oceans are calling on us to act together, to save and manage them responsibly,” Minister Trenggono said in a press statement released in Jakarta on Friday, January 23, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

As an archipelagic nation, Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to lead global efforts through its Blue Economy program. The Indonesian government has already expanded marine conservation areas to more than 30 million hectares, with a target of 97.5 million hectares by 2045. A quota-based fishing system is also being prepared to curb overfishing and illegal practices.

Minister Trenggono highlighted that aquaculture is being developed in innovative, sustainable, and inclusive ways to improve community welfare while safeguarding food security. Coastal zones and small islands are also protected from economic activities that could damage fragile ecosystems.

He emphasized the critical role of coastal ecosystems as “blue carbon” sinks. Indonesia holds the world’s largest reserves of blue carbon, accounting for about 17 percent of global stocks. “These coastal ecosystems are vital carbon absorbers, helping regulate the global climate and maintain ocean health,” he noted.

During the forum, Minister Trenggono announced that Indonesia will host the Ocean Impact Summit (OIS) 2026 in Bali this June, bringing together world leaders, business actors, and experts to drive concrete action in sustainable ocean governance.

In the same session, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas stressed that the blue economy is not only about growth but also competitiveness and security.

The European Union is advancing alternative fuels in the maritime sector to reduce carbon emissions, supported by its forthcoming EU Strategy for Ports and Maritime Industries.

The Velocity of the Blue Economy forum gathered representatives from countries and global organizations participating in WEF 2026.

Maritime issues took center stage, marked by the launch of the Blue Davos initiative and the designation of 2026 as the Year of Water, an integrated effort to strengthen economic stability, climate resilience, and food security. ***