Ambassador Blake, in conjunction with USAID and Conservation International, hosted a film screening and discussion on the evening of December 10 entitledGuardians of Raja Ampat – Community Driven Conservation. The event served as the premiere of the film “Guardians of Raja Ampat” – a new feature documentary film celebrating the success of community-driven marine conservation efforts in Raja Ampat, West Papua supported by the Walton Family Foundation, USAID and Conservation International. The screening was followed by a panel discussion with the Bupati of Raja Ampat and representatives from the Marine and Fisheries Ministry, Raja Ampat tourism sector and NGOs. Over 250 participants from various levels of the Indonesian government, local universities, NGOs and the private sector and another 30 from Papua attended. Prior to the event, Ambassador Blake spoke to press on the importance of collaboration among the public and private sectors, the U.S. government’s $33 million contributions to protect marine biodiversity in Indonesia, and the responsibility of all community members in helping to conserve and protect Indonesia’s rich marine biodiversity for future generations.
