Your comments on the organization of the World Ocean Conference (WOC) in North Sulawesi's capital of Madano and the prospect of the event helping Indonesia deal with its marine environmental problems.
It's not Indonesia alone that faces environmental problems but almost all countries on the earth. If the WOC, the first in the world, cannot improve the environment, we hope that at least the event will prevent the earth from becoming worse.
E Nurdin
Jakarta
Just like the International Summit on global crisis held in London last month, the WOC won't be fruitful. I am sure.
It'll be simply waste of money and time.
Simran S.Galvankar
Surabaya
While Indonesia is hosting the World Ocean Conference, ships continue to pump dirty water to the sea. The fate of the conference will be like the Bali conference, which was on similar issues. We do not care about hazardous emission from bajaj and buses. It is really all talk and no action.
Jan de Jong
Jakarta
The prospects of the WOC seem to be gloomy because of the different positions among developed and developing countries on marine adaptation funds, transfer of technology and the urgency of ocean issues.
The developed countries fear that such issues would bind them legally to a financial obligation toward developing countries.
As it is known that the oceans store heat and it can absorb 25 percent of global carbon emission, it plays a big role in climate change.
Abdul Rahim
Tangerang, Banten
Besides a toothless and non-binding declaration or a boon for the local hospitality business, not to much can be expected from the five-day World Ocean Conference in Manado.
There is no doubt that worldwide marine ecosystem protection and conservation measures are a top priority and require urgent action.
Jumbo jamborees with thousands of delegates from all over the world in a far-off location however, are not the best way to proceed and ecosystem protection should not be confused with eco-tourism!
Joe Spartz
Jakarta
The issues that affect the world are multi-facet and interrelated, thus mere protection of the ocean will not solve all these issues. People on the street dig through rubbish to find something to eat to survive everyday.
We have also learned that there are people receiving Rp. 100 (0.01 US cents) for a kilogram of coal that they dig out of a 23-meter deep hole without safety equipment. Why don't we have a world conference for this?
The two aforementioned facts of life for the poor need immediate attention and solutions that, if addressed well, will have a long-term impact on our generation.
The protection of the ocean will surely promise us benefits, but not for many years ahead.
And, if you really care about slashing carbon emission to protect the environment, how many people from all parts of the world will fly to Copenhagen to attend the conference? You can start from there to prove that you really care about our oceans.
Mirna
Jakarta
Well, who cares about environment now?
Ahmadi
Cilegon, Banten
Hosting a big event like this World Ocean Conference will inspire people take part in helping ocean restoration programs.
The world will also see how serious Indonesia is about protecting its environment, particularly its ocean, which is the largest part of the country.
Diana Murtianingsih
Yogyakarta
We hope that with the great event people will stop using waterways as rubbish bins.
Gary Fair
Denpasar
Hosting the WOC is not only necessary but also urgent. We must solve our problems in connection with the coral reefs immediately. This starts from educating people, particularly those who live coastal areas.
This education should start from elementary school. Young students have to know the importance of coral reefs and mangrove forests for our life.
We have also teach the students to produce fertilizers from garbage instead of dumping it into rivers or into the sea.
Moeljono Adikoesoemo
Jakarta
