Preparing for the Prosperous Ocean Program, DPMA IPB University Introduces OVOC Innovation at KKP

IPB University through the Directorate of Agromaritime Community Development (DPMA) introduced the social innovation “One Village One CEO” (OVOC) in a discussion with the theme “Expanding Economic Opportunities in and Around Conservation Areas” held by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP).

This event is part of the preparations for the Lautan Sejahtera (Lautra) program which aims to improve sustainable management of Marine Protected Areas (KKL) and coral reef fisheries as well as expand local communities’ access to economic opportunities in target areas.

IPB University, through a presentation by Dr Supriyanto (Assistant Director of Agromaritime and Digital Farming Services, Directorate of Agromaritime Community Development), explained the concept and benefits of OVOC innovation.

“This innovation focuses on empowering villages around conservation areas by appointing a CEO in each village to lead and manage sustainable economic programs,” he said.

In his presentation, Dr Supriyanto emphasized the importance of OVOC in creating effective collaboration between local communities and various stakeholders. “With One Village One CEO, we hope to be able to form strong local leadership and be able to drive the village economy through sustainable management of marine resources,” he said.

This activity is also a forum for academics and ministry officials to discuss effective management strategies for MPAs and coral reef fisheries. One of the main objectives of the Lautra program is to improve the welfare of communities in conservation areas through the development of environmentally friendly economic opportunities. The hope is that OVOC innovation will play a key role in achieving this goal.

KKP representatives welcomed the OVOC innovation presented by IPB University. They expressed their commitment to collaborating with IPB University and various related parties in implementing the Lautra program.

“We believe that this collaboration will have a significant positive impact on the management of conservation areas and the welfare of the people around the area,” said one ministry official.

This discussion also includes action plans and concrete steps that will be taken to ensure the success of the Lautra program. Active participation from various parties, including government, academics, and local communities, is considered the main key to achieving program objectives.

With the OVOC innovation, it is hoped that the Lautra program can expand its impact, especially in marine conservation areas in Indonesia, and make a real contribution to sustainable marine resource management and improving the welfare of local communities. (*/Rz) (IAAS/ASD)