On December 14, 2024, Evelyn T. Deguit, CCEF’s Executive Director was invited in a one-day side event organized by the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) during the International Conference on Sustainable Coral Reefs 2024 in Manado, Indonesia. The “Global and Local Culture: Capacity Building for Coral Issues” event highlighted the importance of blending cultural knowledge and traditional practices into efforts to conserve coral reefs.
The Coral Triangle, renowned for its incredible marine biodiversity, plays a vital role in the lives of coastal communities. This event emphasized the significance of local cultural practices and traditions in safeguarding coral ecosystems.
The event featured several key highlights:
✨ Insightful panel discussions exploring how cultural beliefs influence conservation, with speakers from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, and Papua New Guinea.
✨ Active youth involvement through the Ocean Keeper Club, which used interactive activities and cultural storytelling to inspire coral conservation.
✨ Collaborative networking sessions that brought together governments, NGOs, and local communities to share knowledge and build partnerships for the future.
