Mark Manuel, Pacific Islands Regional Coordinator, recently met with members of Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs to discuss the Marine Debris Program and the similarities of addressing marine debris in island communities.

“It is so important that we build international relationships and develop dialogue around best practices, shared issues, and cooperation,” shared Manuel.  “There was a lot of interest and discussion on the economic effects of marine debris on tourism, and community involvement through the use of the Marine Debris Monitoring Toolkit.”

The participant’s visit was coordinated through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The program helps strengthen U.S engagement with countries around the world and cultivates lasting relationships by connecting current and emerging foreign leaders with their American counterparts through short-term visits to the United States. 

The IVLP participants’ visit will also include time in San Diego to continue visiting with federal, state, local, and non-government organizations involved in marine debris prevention and cleanup efforts. The program will be capped off with participation in part of the Sixth International Marine Debris Conference.

For more information contact Mark.Manuel@noaa.gov.

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