Bali, 8 February 2025 – Uplifting the theme “Empowering Blue Tech and Advancing Sustainable Ocean Solutions,” the second edition of Bali Ocean Days was held at the InterContinental Resort in Bali, Indonesia, on February 7-8, 2025. Aimed to promote sustainable blue economy partnerships and innovation in marine conservation, the AIS Forum supports the Bali Ocean Days as it is aligned perfectly with this initiative, driving tangible impact in archipelagic and island states across the oceans.
A Powerhouse of Experts and Game-Changing Ideas
The two-day conference featured a stellar lineup of 30 distinguished speakers and 13 startups showcased their innovative solutions in the blue sector — from policy makers and scientists to entrepreneurs and conservationists. These experts took the stage, shared challenges, presented potential policies and solutions, and explored synergies and long-term project concepts to help safeguard our blue planet. The conference sought to promote an inclusive and sustainable blue economy while reinforcing the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water.
Notable speakers at the event included Mr. Leonardo Teguh Sambodo from the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas); Ms. Rili Djohani, Executive Director at the Coral Triangle Center; Ms. Clarissa Arida, Executive Director at ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity; Prof. Sali Bache, Adjunct Associate Professor at the Monash Sustainable Development Institute; and Ms. Meizani Irmadhiany, Senior Vice President & Executive Chair of Konservasi Indonesia.
Revolutioning Ocean Solutions: A Smarter, More Sustainable Future
One of the key highlights of Bali Ocean Days was the relevance with the AIS Forum focuses and programmes, especially in sustainable fisheries & aquaculture and marine pollution management. The sustainable fisheries and aquaculture emphasise innovative business models in the sector and marine-based entrepreneurship, which reinforced the importance of regional collaboration, capacity building for coastal communities, and the adoption of sustainable fishing technologies, aligned with the AIS Forum’s objectives in the AIS Research and Development Centre and the AIS Blue Hub, ensuring long-term sustainability in the blue sector.
For marine pollution management, highlighting alarming statistics on plastic waste crisis that need urgent action, the point resonated strongly with AIS Forum’s framework of cooperation in the Leaders’ Declaration, protecting the marine environment from the challenges of ocean health degradation, loss of biodiversity, acidification, plastic waste, and marine pollution. Also, the commitment against marine pollution has been implemented into various activities, such as the Island Cleanup and Ending Plastic Pollution programmes.
The Future is Blue
Bali Ocean Days wasn’t just another conference – it was a wake-up call and a catalyst for action. With ocean ecosystems facing mounting threats, the need for collective, high-impact solutions has never been greater. From revolutionising sustainable fisheries to tackling marine pollution head-on, the event sent a clear message: the future of our oceans depends on bold ideas, collaboration, and tangible action. As the waves of change continue to ripple, the AIS Forum and its partners stand ready to turn discussions into tangible solutions – because protecting our oceans isn’t a choice, it’s a necessity.
Learn more about the Bali Ocean Days through https://www.balioceandays.id/.
