The Atoll Day Wakatobi 2025 celebration was officially opened by the Regent of Wakatobi alongside IPB University Professor of Marine Science and Technology, Prof Sri Pujiyati, during a ceremony held at the Wakatobi Maritime Center in Southeast Sulawesi on Saturday (7/12).
The event began with a presentation by the Chairman of the Management Section of Wakatobi National Park Region II, La Fasa, SSos, MH. In his speech, he outlined the number and environmental conditions of the atolls in Wakatobi waters. He also emphasized the importance of protecting the atoll ecosystem as an irreplaceable biological heritage.
“Atoll protection is not only the responsibility of the government but also requires active involvement from the community and the academic world,” he said before inviting Professor Sri Pujiyati from IPB University to deliver her remarks.
At that moment, Prof Puji presented scientific testimony on the current state of the marine environment in the Wakatobi region, particularly the Kapota Atoll area. She revealed that, based on recent observations, there has been a significant increase in seagrass coverage around the Wakatobi waters compared to her last research visit in 2023.
“This finding is a positive indication for the marine ecosystem and also highlights the potential of these waters as an important center of marine biodiversity,” she said.
Furthermore, Prof Puji explained that since 2023, the IPB University research team has been conducting a benthic habitat mapping program in the Kapota Atoll. This year, the program was further developed to explore the relationship between biotic and abiotic components in the area.
“This research activity is not only academic in nature but also aimed at providing scientific data that can be utilized in evidence based on policy making,”she said.
In response to the scientific presentation, Wakatobi Regent H Haliana, SE, expressed deep appreciation for the academic community’s contributions to preserving and understanding Wakatobi’s marine ecosystem.
“We strongly support this research activity as it can serve as a foundation for designing sustainable and effective marine management policies for a better future for Wakatobi,” he said.
The Wakatobi Atoll Day 2025 event marks an important milestone in strengthening collaboration between the academic world, local government, and the community in efforts to conserve and manage marine resources collaboratively. (*/Rz)(IAAS/FMT)
