PKSPL IPB University: Time for Blue Food to Address the Global Crisis

The Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies (PKSPL), the International Maritime, Marine, and Fisheries Research Institute (LRI i-MAR) of IPB University held The 5th International Conference on Integrated Coastal Management and Marine Biotechnology (ICMMBT).

“This event represents a shared commitment to sustainably address the challenges of food and ocean health crises,” said the Head of PKSPL, Prof Yonvitner, at the event held at Hotel Royal Ambarrukmo, Yogyakarta, recently.

According to him, the challenges of climate change, coastal ecosystem degradation, and threats to marine food security cannot be solved in a sectoral manner. Therefore, a collaborative approach across disciplines and countries is absolutely necessary.

“There needs to be an integration of scientific knowledge, technology, policy, and community participation to create real transformation in coastal areas,” he explained.

On that occasion, the Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria, shared his views regarding the theme “Blue Food Nexus: Harnessing Solutions for Global Food Security and Ocean Health.”

“Blue food must be seen as a strategic global solution that requires a progressive policy framework,” he asserted. He emphasized the importance of innovation and science as the foundation for building the blue economy.

International support came from the Rector of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Turkey, Prof Ramazan Cuneyt Erenoglu, who also stressed the importance of global commitment in marine education and research. In addition, early marine literacy and strengthening the role of universities as agents of change in the marine sector are needed.

In line with this, Dandy Satria Iswara, SIP, MSi, Deputy for Maritime Resources Coordination, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, also stated, “National blue food policy must be mainstreamed in national food security strategies, while considering the carrying capacity of the marine environment and the welfare of coastal communities.”

Entering the main session (Key Plenary Session), the speakers present were Prof Qinhua Fang (Xiamen University, China), Prof Jim Leape (Stanford University, United States), Moh Rahmat Mulianda (Bappenas), and Dr Etwin Kuslati Sabarini (Climateworks Centre). The event was moderated by Prof Ario Damar from PKSPL IPB University.

The series of activities continued with the launch of the SEAFOAM Blue Carbon Training Program, the launch of the book “Marine Protected Area (MPA) and Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECM) Vision 2045” from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, as well as the book “Maritime, Marine, and Fisheries of Indonesia 2045” compiled by IPB University experts as a strategic contribution toward the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision. (*/Rz) (IAAS/EXC)