BelitongToday, Tanjungpandan – Delegates of the ASEAN Blue Economy Forum enjoyed a Gala Dinner at the Sheraton Hotel, Belitung, Monday (7/3) evening.
The gala dinner was held to familiarize the ASEAN Blue Economy Forum delegates with the ranks of the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) of Bangka Islands Province and Belitung Regency.
The Acting Regional Secretary of Bangka Belitung Islands Province, Sunardi, in his remarks welcomed all delegates of the ASEAN Blue Economy Forum and staff who attended to Belitung Island, Bangka Belitung Islands Province.
Sunardi said that Indonesia is committed to protecting the ocean for our generation and future generations. The concept of blue economy involves sustainable growth of the ocean economy while maintaining the viability of marine ecosystems.
According to him, Indonesia has a great opportunity to capitalize on the blue economy while promoting sustainable ocean utilization. Also, improving the life chances of marine ecosystems, and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
“Currently, more than 40,000 people work as fishermen and more than 150,000 people depend on the fisheries sector in Bangka Belitung Province. If you add marine and beach tourism, more than a quarter of Babel’s population depends on the sea,” he explained.
Sunardi continued, Belitung Island is famous for the potential of its tourism sector. Therefore, Belitung is currently one of the 10 national tourism priority areas.
“Belitung has 17 geosites including Tanjung Kelayang which has many granite rocks including Garuda stone. Belitung also has Satam stone or bilitonite which is a fragment of a meteor around 770 thousand years ago. Currently, satam stone is a typical souvenir of Belitung,” he said.
Hoped Meeting Will Generate Productive Talk
He hoped that this meeting will generate productive talk on how to partner together more effectively to improve the sustainable blue economy in Babel.
“Thank you for your participation. I hope this event can create valuable connection and collaboration opportunities and continue beyond today,” Sunardi hoped.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of Bappenas, Taufik Hanafi, said the night was an important night for the Asean Blue Economy Forum.
He mentioned, there are several reasons why holding this event in Belitung.
First, Belitung is a good example for the blue economy, especially the environmental sector. Second, Belitung has the most visited Unesco Global Geopark sites out of 10 geoparks in Indonesia.
“This event is very important to show Indonesia’s commitment to promote blue economy,” he remarked. (Tim)
