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Held by Coral Triangle Center and DKKPI Bali
Around 10 AM WITA, on July 2, 2025, more than 50 participants stepped off the boats that brought them ashore near the Mangrove Stop in Nusa Lembongan to visit Ceningan Divers. The group came from diverse nations—Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, and Fiji. They had gathered to attend a learning exchange for Marine Protected Area (MPA) Managers which included an IUCN Green List Training in Bali. One of the activities during the training was a field visit to the Nusa Penida MPA. The event was organized by the Coral Triangle Center in collaboration with IUCN, the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security, and the SOMACORE Project.
As the current global number one on the Green Fins ranking, the Ceningan Divers team was honored to be invited as one of the resource speakers during their visit to the Nusa Penida MPA. We were there to share our stories, practices, and experience in running a sustainable and conservation-driven marine tourism business.
The participants were warmly welcomed by the organizing team, who offered an array of traditional snacks. Some participants moved straight to the buffet table, enjoying traditional sweets and light bites accompanied by hot tea, fresh orange juice, and steaming black coffee. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. Some attendees were seen chatting and introducing themselves, while Matt, the Director of Ceningan Divers, greeted guests and took time to speak with other speakers.
Soon after, the official session began with a short welcome speech. Participants were then guided to their assigned tables for the small group discussions (FGD), which formed the core of the day’s agenda. Our group discussion was joined by a local community representative, the Head of the Community Surveillance Group (Pokwasmas) from Jungut Batu. The discussion flowed with diverse questions from the participants regarding MPA management practices.
Matt (Ceningan Divers), Pak Rama (Pokmaswas Gili Bhuana), and Bli Jaya (CTC Bali) engaged with attendees in a strategic discussion on the role of businesses and local communities in marine protected area governance.
Topics ranged from dive site management and MPA retribution systems to the role of the government, tourism operators, and local communities in policy formulation and implementation. One participant asked, “How is tourism activity monitored in MPAs? Who is responsible for this oversight? Is there local community involvement?”
Mr. I Wayan Suwarbawa—better known as Pak Rama—head of Pokmaswas Gili Bhuana, explained that monitoring is conducted by the Bali MPA team on a routine and ad-hoc basis. Additionally, community-based surveillance groups are actively involved in safeguarding marine space utilization in the Nusa Penida MPA. “Currently, there are at least four active community surveillance groups across Nusa Penida,” he explained.
Another participant followed up, “What role do local businesses and communities play in developing regulations and implementing the Green List?”
Matt responded, “We engage through our divers and guides who educate every visitor. We’re also involved in citizen science and collaborate with NGOs within the MPA to provide data that can support research and policy-making.”
He added, “This is how we give back as marine tourism operators in this protected area.”
The discussion concluded with a reflective question, “Has the implementation of the Nusa Penida MPA regulations and the Green Fins program shown tangible benefits for businesses and communities?”
Matt replied that the dual implementation of the Nusa Penida MPA regulations and Green Fins positively impacts not only the marine ecosystem but also collective awareness. “We’ve seen a 15-20% increase in visitor awareness of environmental conservation. This awareness brings long-term effects across education, local economy, and tourism sustainability.”
He emphasized that Nusa Penida MPA implementation and the Green Fins program serve as platforms for environmental education. “This is not just about ecology, but about life. Visitors learn that the ocean isn’t just about beauty or biodiversity—it’s a crucial economic lifeline for the communities who live by and depend on it.”
Before we knew it, an hour had flown by, marking the end of the group discussion. The organizing team concluded the session and divided the participants into two large groups for the next field activity: snorkeling or mangrove exploration. Participants chose their preferred activity. We opted to join the mangrove tour with several other attendees.
The sunny weather enhanced the relaxed adventure vibe. We were transported via modified local pickup trucks—complete with long bench seating and makeshift canopies—a typical mode of transport around Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida. The 10-minute ride over bumpy roads was filled with laughter and chatter.
Group photo at the Mangrove Forest monument before starting the exploration session.
Arriving at the Jungut Batu Mangrove Forest, we saw small docks lined with traditional sampan boats waiting to take us on the mangrove journey. Each boat was paddled by a local
resident, and we were divided into small groups of four. For about 30 minutes, we meandered through natural corridors formed by the lush mangrove canopy. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating a calming interplay of light and shadow.
Traditional sampan boats lined up at the small dock, ready to take participants through the serene mangrove waterways.
This 202-hectare mangrove area is home to various species such as Sonneratia alba, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora stylosa, and Rhizophora apiculata. Birds chirped in the distance, crabs scuttled across roots, and seagrass swayed gently among the mangrove roots. Indeed, the forest also supports seagrass beds that coexist harmoniously with the mangrove ecosystem.
Crystal-clear blue waters reveal seagrass beds beneath the lush mangrove canopy, highlighting the harmony of coastal ecosystems.
The most mesmerizing moment came when our boat exited the forest into a small estuary facing the open sea—right in front of Mangrove Point, one of our favorite dive sites. Beneath the clear surface, we could see underwater seagrass swaying with the soft rhythm of the ocean. Shortly after, we returned to the dock, disembarked one by one, and rode back to the meeting point.
Back at the venue, the other group had just finished their snorkeling activity. Some participants were changing clothes, while others chatted and rested. The organizers provided dry towels to ensure everyone’s comfort. At one corner of the venue, a group gathered around a small product showcase. The pleasant scent of lemongrass filled the air. Skincare items like sunscreen, soap, and room sprays—from a certified eco-friendly local brand—were neatly arranged. We approached out of curiosity. “These are all locally made, from seaweed,” the vendor explained. Such initiatives align perfectly with the goals of sustainable tourism under the Green Fins framework, which promotes environmentally responsible local products. It was a testament that sustainability extends beyond the reefs and forests—it also supports local economies built on eco-conscious innovation.
Lunchtime arrived, and everyone relaxed over delicious meals prepared by the organizers. The setting remained lively and warm. Midway through lunch, we resumed our conversation with the product vendor. He shared that his products were co-developed with a local university. “We collaborated with them to process seaweed-based ingredients into eco-friendly cosmetics,” he explained.
He then told us a story about a European customer who once tried to bring the products back home. “She ordered 10 to 12 bottles, and I had everything ready,” he recalled. Unfortunately, international shipping required export permits, quarantine clearance, and legal documents beyond his reach as a small business owner.
Wira Sanjaya, CTC’s Bali Portfolio Manager, added, “This is exactly the kind of situation where government support is needed to bridge the gap.” And he was right. With proper government backing, local products like these could compete globally. This lunchtime conversation gave us new insight—that conservation doesn’t always have to involve dramatic action in the ocean. It can start by empowering local communities and supporting grassroots innovation.
During that same lunch session, we also had a productive discussion regarding our upcoming seagrass conservation program in the channel area between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. One key concern was ensuring all activities align with existing regulations—particularly since we are Green Fins members committed to sustainability and compliance.
“As of now, there are no specific regulations on seagrass,” highlighting a significant opportunity for our conservation team to take the lead in developing appropriate methods and standards. In the absence of formal guidelines, this gap allows us to propose evidence-based approaches that can serve as a foundation for future regulations and sustainable management practices.
We welcomed the opportunity enthusiastically. This support meant a lot and served as a foundation for safer, better-structured, and more impactful future projects. The brief but meaningful exchange reaffirmed our belief in the power of collaboration—between businesses, local communities, and government institutions—as a key to inclusive, science-based marine conservation.
Curious about what we do to protect seagrass habitats? Learn more about our Seagrass Conservation Program here and find out how you can join the effort.
As the event drew to a close, the organizers held a simple yet meaningful final session: ecosystem restoration through the adoption of mangrove seedlings or coral fragments. Each participant was given a tag made of palm leaves—neatly cut and assembled as a biodegradable alternative to plastic labels. Participants could choose between adopting a coral fragment or a mangrove sapling by writing their name (or a chosen name) on the leaf tag. These tags would later be placed at the actual planting sites. Though simple, the activity felt intimate and heartwarming. An emotional connection was formed—between visitors and the environment they had just experienced. The use of palm leaves was a thoughtful touch: biodegradable, locally sourced, and culturally meaningful. Some participants carefully wrote names with markers, while others chatted about which species to adopt. Some used their child’s name, a partner’s, or even their pet’s—embedding a personal narrative into their small act of conservation.
A final group photo at the Mangrove Stop marks the close of the Green List IUCN Application Workshop on Nusa Penida MPA’s—a day full of collaboration and conservation
The event concluded with a group photo session. Participants, organizers, and speakers gathered for one last smile in front of the camera—a collective moment capturing the spirit of cross-border collaboration for ocean conservation. We then said our goodbyes and headed back to the resort, minds enriched and hearts full.
It was truly an honor for us at Ceningan Divers to be invited as speakers. We were grateful for the chance to share our stories, experiences, and lessons learned with participants from across the globe. This opportunity not only enabled us to contribute but also allowed us to keep learning and reaffirm our commitment to sustainable tourism. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Coral Triangle Center and the Bali Province Government Bali for organizing such an inspiring event. Their efforts in bridging businesses, local communities, and regional stakeholders offer a shining example of inclusive and impactful MPA governance.
Special thanks to the CTC team: Jaya, Pak Rama, Dekta, and Adam for their warm interactions and stellar documentation throughout the event. May this spirit of collaboration continue to grow, strengthening international networks and safeguarding our oceans for generations to come.
