Mataram, University of Mataram — In an effort to promote sustainable management of coastal and marine areas, Yayasan Pesisir Lestari (YPL), in collaboration with the University of Mataram (Unram), held a Collaborative Workshop on Blue Economy Hub Development under the theme “Implementing Site-Level Blue Economy in West Nusa Tenggara Province.” The workshop was held at the Unram Rectorate Building on Monday, September 21, 2026.

The workshop was attended by Unram leaders, academics from the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Economics and Business, representatives of the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency, the West Nusa Tenggara Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), the East Lombok Regional Development Planning Agency, and various relevant stakeholders.

Director of Yayasan Pesisir Lestari (YPL), Dina Kosasih, said the workshop was part of a long-term commitment to developing a 10-year roadmap for the blue economy. Initially focused on site-level assistance in Jor Bay, East Lombok, the program has now expanded to Ekas Bay, Seriwe Bay, and Jipang Bay.

“Blue economy is not merely a short-term project. It is a foundation for creating applied economic learning and sustainable financing. Through the Blue Economy Learning Hub, we aim to strengthen cross-sector collaboration among the government, academia, and local communities,” Dina said in her remarks.

Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Unram, Prof. Dr. Ir. Bambang Dipokusumo, M.Si., emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between ecological sustainability and the economic well-being of coastal communities. According to him, successful marine ecosystem conservation depends heavily on environmental governance in inland areas.

“Growing the local economy is relatively easy, but the real challenge is building understanding and awareness of sustainability. Mangrove areas, for example, are not only spawning grounds for fish and crabs that support local livelihoods, but also serve as coastal defenses against waves. Community participation in protecting nature can only be sustained when economic incentives are balanced,” Prof. Dipo emphasized.

Echoing this view, the Chair of the YPL Supervisory Board added that the blue economy approach must be able to align the economic considerations of local communities with environmental education. By providing capacity-building training and creating added economic value based on local wisdom, community involvement in protecting coastal ecosystems can be further strengthened.

Through the Blue Economy Learning Hub, the initiative is expected to establish a strong collaborative mechanism among stakeholders to create coastal areas in West Nusa Tenggara that are economically self-reliant and ecologically sustainable.