In an official press release (No.71/SP/TKM-AISFORUM2023/10/2023) issued by Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, the recent 2023 High-Level Meeting (HLM) of the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum agreed on several key points. The participating countries agree to enhance collaboration to address common challenges, including mitigation and adaptation of climate change and disaster management, the development of the blue economy, marine plastic debris, and good maritime governance.
During the meeting, Indonesia successfully promoted sustainability as a key strategic component in the tourism sector, which is a part of the blue economy.
This was stated by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/ Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno after participating in the 1st HLM on Wednesday, 11 October 2023, at Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre (BNDCC).
“Almost 50-percent of the 51 archipelagic and island states participating in the 2023 HLM identified tourism as a sector with a significant economic contribution. Therefore, the concept of sustainable tourism becomes highly strategic,” said Sandiaga.
Sandiaga revealed that all archipelagic and island states face common challenges, and strong collaboration is necessary to address them.
Indonesia also shared best practices that have been implemented, including the application of carbon footprint calculations, where tourists can measure the amount of carbon emissions generated by their travel activities.
The carbon footprint calculations are then converted into monetary value and channeled to support positive programs, such as tree planting, renewable energy, and ecotourism development.
In collaboration with local governments, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has designated locations for the implementation of this program, including Plataran Menjangan in West Bali National Park, Mangrove Tembudan Berseri in Berau, Tiga Warna Beach in Clungup Mangrove Conservation-Malang, Peramun Hill in Belitung, and Klawalu Mangrove Park in Sorong.
“Indonesia is taking the lead with the carbon calculator that we have implemented, along with our mangrove planting efforts, making them a showcase,” said Sandiaga.
Sandiaga also mentioned that the concept of Carbon Footprint is implied in the Leaders’ Declaration of the Solidarity of Archipelagic and Island States. This declaration expresses the commitment of archipelagic and island states to strengthen their collaboration in addressing common challenges based on the principles of solidarity, equality, and inclusivity.
“All participating countries have agreed to promote collaboration and innovation to address real issues we are currently facing, such as marine plastic debris as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation,” said Sandiaga.
President Joko Widodo had previously stated that the 32-heads of state and representatives participating at the 1st HLM agreed to uphold three principles outlined in the declaration as the foundation for enhancing cooperation.
Indonesia’s full support for this declaration is a manifestation of its commitment to further existing cooperation among archipelagic and island states worldwide, enabling them to face global challenges through collaborations.
These challenges include rising sea levels, ocean pollution from marine debris, and the increasing impact of waste, which jeopardize the sustainability of the oceans as well as national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
About AIS Forum
The Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum is a global platform for cooperation among island and archipelagic states that aims at strengthening collaboration to address global issues with four main areas of focus: climate change mitigation and adaptation, the blue economy, marine plastic debris, and good maritime governance. The 2023 High-Level Meeting of the AIS Forum is organized to reinforce the role of the AIS Forum as a center for smart & innovative solutions and a platform for collaboration in promoting the future agenda of global maritime governance.
For more information, please contact:
Director General of Public Information and Communications of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics – Usman Kansong (0816785320).
Get more information on press releases, news, photos, and videos related to the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum at https://s.id/aispedia.
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