"We will partner with the first-mover countries in the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, including Indonesia," said Yuliana Cahya Wulan, Commission Manager for Living High Seas at GIZ Indonesia and ASEAN, in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Sunday.
She said GIZ's partner countries also include Senegal, Brazil, and Micronesia.
The Living High Seas project is scheduled to begin in 2026, providing technical assistance and other support through the International Climate Initiative as part of Germany's initial commitment to implementing the BBNJ Agreement.
Under the BBNJ Agreement, conservation cooperation is shifting from negotiations to concrete implementation, with a focus on strengthening marine conservation efforts, including the development of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
The project will focus on Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs), including MPAs.
One of its key activities will be helping partner countries, including Indonesia, collect scientific data in areas beyond national jurisdiction, outside Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), or beyond the 200-nautical-mile limit.
According to Yuliana, such data is essential because high-seas areas are vulnerable to unsupervised exploitation by large vessels.
The project will also help partner countries build capacity to identify biodiversity conservation areas and zones for sustainable use.
Although the BBNJ Agreement focuses on the high seas, its conservation efforts are expected to benefit Indonesian waters, including those around Bali.
Meanwhile, GIZ Indonesia and ASEAN Country Director Hans Bruns Ludwig said the partnership between Germany and Indonesia has lasted for 50 years.
Over the past five decades, cooperation has expanded from technical capacity development in health, education, and social sectors to climate change, disaster management, and economic development.
He added that both countries continue to exchange experiences and learn from each other, noting that Indonesia's population of around 280 million is much larger and younger than Germany's population of around 80 million.
"The challenge for the government and the people is enormous, not only to increase income but also to ensure food security," he said.
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Translator: Dewa Ketut Sudiarta Wiguna, Cindy Frishanti Octavi
Editor: Anton Santoso
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