The Regional NGO Cooperation Forum for Sustainable Coastal Community 2026 was held on July 27 in Haikou, Hainan. (Source: China Blue Sustainability Institute)

The Regional NGO Cooperation Forum for Sustainable Coastal Community 2026 was held on July 27 in Haikou, Hainan, with a focus on boosting community engagement, enhancing local resource management, and developing climate-resilient livelihoods.

Over 60 delegates from nonprofit organizations, research institutes, supporting agencies, and coastal communities from China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore attended.

Amid ongoing global challenges such as climate change, marine ecosystem degradation, overfishing, and coastal development, this year's forum aimed to strengthen regional partnerships. During the forum, nonprofit practitioners from Southeast Asia discussed their experiences in advancing marine conservation through grassroots community initiatives.

The Regional NGO Cooperation Forum for Sustainable Coastal Community 2026 was held on July 27 in Haikou, Hainan. (Source: China Blue Sustainability Institute)

Taufik Hizbul Haq, Director of Indonesia's Yayasan Juang Laut Lestari (JARI Foundation), shared a community-based project where residents collaboratively established and implemented temporary bans on octopus fishing. By integrating traditional knowledge with resource monitoring and gaining official recognition from local authorities, the effort has greatly enhanced sustainable marine conservation. He emphasized that involving the community is essential for enduring ocean preservation.

Cris Lomboy, Senior Director of Rare Philippines, talked about his country's experience in managing marine protected areas through collaboration among local governments, fishing communities, and other stakeholders.

Nadhirah binti Mohd Rifai, Senior Programme Manager at Reef Check Malaysia, emphasized community-led initiatives in coral reef monitoring, marine patrols, and youth capacity building. She showed how local knowledge, scientific monitoring, and community governance can work together to support marine conservation.

Ravadee Prasertcharoensuk, Director of Thailand's Sustainable Development Foundation (SDF), discussed Thailand's policies on promoting Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs), and community stewardship. Meanwhile, Eveline Kurniati, Executive Director of Yayasan Alam Indonesia Lestari (LINI Foundation), spoke about community efforts in northern Bali to diversify local livelihoods through coral reef restoration, selective fishing, ecotourism, and the production of specialized goods.

The Regional NGO Cooperation Forum for Sustainable Coastal Community 2026 was held on July 27 in Haikou, Hainan. (Source: China Blue Sustainability Institute)

The forum also showcased community-based conservation efforts in Hainan. Using Beigang Island in Haikou as an example, the China Blue Sustainability Institute discussed its activities in community patrols, seagrass monitoring, ecological surveys, and visitor education. The initiative has fostered greater public involvement in marine ecosystem conservation by linking local residents, nonprofits, and government agencies.

Attendees agreed that exchanging experiences and enhancing collaboration are essential for enabling more coastal communities to engage in marine conservation and promote sustainable development throughout the region.