On Friday, February 16, 2024, the Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Special Region of Yogyakarta held the Workshop on Conservation Area Utilization at the Srigading Village Hall, Sanden, Bantul. Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., as the Head of the Tropical Biology Department, attended the event representing the Dean of the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada.
The workshop’s topic regarding the utilization of conservation areas significantly reflects the commitment of the Faculty of Biology UGM to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) concerning the preservation of underwater life, including diverse marine and aquatic ecosystems (SDGs 14). Although not directly related, this topic also positively impacts the goals of sustainable cities and communities (SDGs 11).
The workshop commenced with an address by the Head of the Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of DIY, represented by the Coastal Development Section Head of DKP DIY, Veronica Vony R., A.pi., MMA. She conveyed that in Bantul Regency itself, there were turtle conservation areas. Four out of the total seven species of turtles in the world were found in Bantul, namely the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate), and Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). She also explained that the activities carried out in the conservation areas include turtle conservation, capture fisheries, ecotourism, and research or internships by students. Additionally, activities such as coastal turtle festivals and the construction of turtle monument markers at Pelangi Beach have also been implemented. These activities will also be carried out on several other beaches in Bantul.
The event then proceeded with presentations by the Director of Conservation and Marine Biodiversity of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Muh. Firdaus Agung Kunto Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., regarding Regulations on Utilization Permits in Conservation Areas in accordance with Ministerial Regulation No. 47 of 2016 concerning the Utilization of Conservation Areas for Fisheries. In his presentation, he highlighted the importance of conservation with protection and preservation approaches through control via permits. Mr. Firdaus also conveyed about activities in conservation areas, such as tourism, education, and research, which need to be controlled through licensing mechanisms in accordance with the Indonesian Standard Classification of Fields of Activity (KBLI).
The next material was presented by the Head of the Research Station for Marine and Fisheries Resources in Cilacap, Mr. Joko Pramono, regarding Integrated Surveillance of Conservation Areas. He conveyed that the surveillance of conservation areas has been implemented, as seen from the regulation of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries No. 17 of 2022 concerning Conservation Areas in the Waters of the South Coast of Bantul, DIY Yogyakarta.