Led by Dr.rer.nat. Rima Rachmayani, S.Si., M.Si. of the Environmental and Applied Oceanography Research Group, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Technology (FITB), ITB, the program involved multidisciplinary faculty members, ITB students, local government representatives, and conservation area managers in an effort to strengthen coastal resilience to climate change.

The GUARDIAN to CONSERVE program was developed through a Conservation Oceanography approach that integrates oceanographic research, ecosystem monitoring, environmental education, and community capacity building. This approach is particularly relevant to Taka Bonerate National Park, one of the world's largest atoll systems, which is characterized by its rich marine biodiversity and its vital role in supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Dr.rer.nat. Rima Rachmayani, S.Si., M.Si., who led the program, explained that GUARDIAN to CONSERVE aims to enhance public understanding of the marine biodiversity found within Taka Bonerate National Park while promoting efforts to conserve and sustain these valuable natural resources.

"Through this program, we aim to introduce the rich biodiversity of marine ecosystems and the various marine species found within Taka Bonerate National Park, while also educating the community about the importance of conserving these resources so that they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations," she said.

For small island communities such as Rajuni Kecil, the health of coastal and marine ecosystems is closely linked to food security, fisheries productivity, and sustainable livelihoods. However, climate change, rising sea temperatures, and pressures from unsustainable resource use have the potential to increase the vulnerability of both ecosystems and local communities. Therefore, an integrated approach that combines science, conservation, and community empowerment is essential.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration for Coastal Resilience

One of the key strengths of GUARDIAN to CONSERVE lies in its integration of multiple disciplines within a single program. Through this multidisciplinary approach, coastal issues are addressed not only from ecological perspectives, but also through geospatial, educational, and socioeconomic lenses.

Marine ecosystem monitoring activities using the Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) method were coordinated by Dr. Teguh Purnama Sidiq, S.T., M.T. from the Geodetic Engineering Science and Innovation Research Group, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Technology (FITB), ITB. This method was employed to collect information on the condition and diversity of marine organisms through camera-based underwater observations.

^{The community service team prepared the deployment of a Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) system in the waters surrounding Rajuni Kecil Island.}

On the other hand, climate change education for elementary and junior high school students, as well as marinepreneur training for women's groups on Rajuni Kecil Island, was coordinated by Sarah Ismullah, S.Si., M.B.A. from the School of Business and Management (SBM), ITB. The activities linked an understanding of climate change with the development of community economic capacity based on the potential of coastal and marine resources.

Through this approach, community members were encouraged not only to utilize marine resources, but also to take an active role in ensuring their sustainability while developing value-added economic activities.

^{Marine life recorded by a Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) system in the waters surrounding Rajuni Kecil Island.}

Meanwhile, educational sessions on the importance of coastal and marine ecosystems for local fishers were coordinated by Saat Mubarrok, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. from the Oceanography Study Program at ITB. The activities emphasized the role of coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and other coastal ecosystems as critical habitats that support fisheries resources and, consequently, the livelihoods of local communities.

^{Fishers on Rajuni Kecil Island participated in an educational session on the importance of conserving coastal and marine ecosystems, organized by ITB’s community service team.}

Introducing Climate Change Awareness to the Younger Generation

Climate change education was one of the main components of the program. The ITB team introduced students to various changes occurring in marine and coastal environments, including rising sea temperatures, changes in ecosystem conditions, and their impacts on the lives of small island communities.

The learning materials were delivered in a contextual manner by linking climate change phenomena to the environmental conditions that students encounter in their daily lives. Through this approach, participants were encouraged to understand that climate change is not only a global issue, but also one that has tangible impacts on the communities and environments in which they live.

This activity is expected to contribute to efforts to strengthen ocean literacy and environmental awareness from an early age among communities in island regions.

^{Students of SDN Rajuni Kecil participated in a climate change education session organized by ITB’s community service team.}

Enhancing Conservation Awareness and Economic Resilience

In addition to educational activities, the program also engaged local fishers in discussions on the relationship between the health of marine ecosystems and the sustainability of fisheries resources. Community members were encouraged to understand that conserving coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and other coastal ecosystems is an essential part of safeguarding their livelihoods for the future.

^{A marinepreneur discussion with a resident of Rajuni Kecil Island as part of efforts to strengthen the local economy through the sustainable use of coastal resources.}

At the same time, marinepreneur activities were conducted to introduce opportunities for developing businesses based on the potential of coastal and marine resources while adhering to sustainability principles. Through the diversification of household-based enterprises, community members are expected to gain alternative sources of income that can strengthen economic resilience while reducing pressure on the overexploitation of marine resources.

Collaboration with Local Stakeholders

The implementation of GUARDIAN to CONSERVE also involved ITB students as part of a learning process and an opportunity to strengthen their field experience in understanding the various challenges associated with coastal area management.

The program was implemented through collaboration with various local stakeholders, including the Selayar Islands Regency Fisheries Office and the Selayar Islands Regency Tourism Office, represented by Hasriani, S.Pi., and Sulviana, A.Ma., respectively. The involvement of local government institutions played an important role in ensuring that the scientific and educational activities carried out were aligned with community needs as well as the management objectives of the conservation area.

From Scientific Data to Conservation Action

Through the integration of ecosystem monitoring, geospatial information, oceanographic studies, climate change education, and local economic empowerment, GUARDIAN to CONSERVE is expected to support more adaptive and sustainable management of small islands.

Dr.rer.nat. Rima Rachmayani, S.Si., M.Si., expressed her hope that the program would raise community awareness of the importance of conserving coastal and marine ecosystems as fundamental sources of livelihood.

"We hope that the people of Taka Bonerate will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of marine ecosystems and marine biodiversity in supporting their daily needs and livelihoods. Through the wise and sustainable use of these resources, existing ecosystems and biodiversity can provide not only environmental benefits, but also serve as sources of economic value and community well-being," she said.

This program demonstrates that conservation is not only about protecting ecosystems, but also about strengthening the capacity of communities whose lives and livelihoods depend on those ecosystems. Rajuni Kecil Island became a shared learning space for academics, students, government representatives, conservation area managers, and local communities to work together in building coastal resilience for future generations.

Reporter: Sri Wulandari (Oceanography, 2022)