Germany to Provide Financial Support for Marine Conservation in Indonesia

RRI.CO.ID, Nusa Dua - Indonesia is among the partner countries set to receive financial support to promote marine conservation and biodiversity management.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has allocated EUR 20 million to strengthen marine conservation in several countries, including Indonesia, from 2026 to 2031.

“We will partner with the first‑mover countries of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, including Indonesia,” said Yuliana Cahya Wulan, Commission Manager for Living High Seas at GIZ Indonesia and ASEAN, during the World Oceans Day and Coral Triangle Day commemoration in Nusa Dua, Badung Regency, Bali, on Sunday, June 8, as quoted by Antara.

Indonesia is one of the priority countries alongside Senegal, Brazil, and Micronesia in the Living High Seas project. Support will be provided through technical assistance and the International Climate Initiatives program as part of Germany’s initial commitment to implementing the BBNJ.

Yuliana explained that international cooperation is now entering a phase of concrete implementation following the negotiation process. The primary focus is on strengthening marine management tools, including the development of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Through this project, Indonesia will receive support for collecting scientific data on the high seas or in areas beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Such data is crucial to protect vulnerable areas that remain open to exploitation due to limited oversight.

In addition to strengthening data collection, the program aims to enhance Indonesia’s capacity to establish biodiversity conservation areas and zones for sustainable use. Although focused on the high seas, these efforts are expected to positively impact Indonesia’s national aquatic ecosystems.

Meanwhile, Hans Bruns Ludwig, GIZ Country Director for Indonesia and ASEAN, noted that cooperation between Indonesia and Germany has spanned five decades. The partnership has evolved from health, education, and social welfare to encompass climate change, disaster management, and economic development.

“So the challenge for the government and society is immense, not only in increasing income but also in ensuring food security for the population,” Ludwig said. ***