Mataram, University of Mataram – University of Mataram (Unram) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia, followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Faculty of Agriculture of Unram and WRI Indonesia. The signing took place in the Rector’s Conference Room, Unram Rectorate on Wednesday (13/11).

 

The agreement was signed by Dr. Tjokorda Nirarta Samadhi, Ph.D., as Executive Director of WRI Indonesia, along with Dr. Rocky Pairunan, Ocean and Plastic Waste Manager. The event was also attended by Karim Marasabessy, S.Pi., MM. as the Head of the Aquaculture Division of the NTB Provincial Maritime and Fisheries Service.

 

In his remarks, the Rector of Unram, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D., expressed his hope that this collaboration would provide real benefits to the community and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

“Unram in its development always pays attention to aspects of sustainability, natural conditions, climate change, and environmental issues, including pollution and plastic waste,” said Prof. Bambang. The Rector of Unram emphasized that in addition to policy, real implementation is essential to achieve the success of SDGs.

 

Dr. Tjokorda Nirarta Samadhi, Ph.D. as Executive Director of WRI Indonesia, expressed his gratitude for Unram’s support for the Marine Resource Accounts Study in NTB, this study aims to support blue carbon ecosystem management with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the NTB Provincial Government.

 

“It is an honor for WRI Indonesia to be able to work together with Unram and various parties in supporting marine ecosystem management through marine resource accounts,” said Dr. Tjokorda. He added that over-exploitation of the ocean can threaten the sustainability of marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities, therefore a data-based and fact-based approach is needed.

 

As part of this initiative, WRI Indonesia and UNSW developed a research titled “Ocean Accounts on Blue Carbon Ecosystems in Riau and West Nusa Tenggara Provinces”. The research focuses on the use of Ocean Accounts to support evidence-based and data-oriented marine policies to maintain the sustainability of marine ecosystems.

 

“We hope that through the signing of this MoU, synergies between government, academia, and non-government organizations can be established to strengthen the protection of coastal ecosystems in Indonesia. This collaboration will be the foundation for evidence-based, data-oriented policies and implementation strategies for sustainable marine management in NTB Province,” he said.

 

The marine resource accounts itself is a global initiative that seeks to encourage the management of marine, coastal, and small island ecosystems using an accounting perspective. By working together with Unram and the NTB Provincial Maritime and Fisheries Office, it is hoped that local perspectives can enrich the development of the Marine Resource Account, support marine ecosystems, and encourage sustainable economic development in NTB.

 

With this strategic collaboration, Unram, WRI Indonesia, and the NTB Provincial Maritime and Fisheries Office hope to realize sustainable and evidence-based marine ecosystem management. Through the synergy between government, academia, and non-governmental organizations, this initiative is expected to be a concrete step in preserving marine resources for future generations. The signing of this MoU is not just the beginning of collaboration, but a commitment to create significant and sustainable changes in the coastal areas of NTB, and for the welfare of coastal communities.