After almost 3 months of stay in Manado and visiting many incredible people and places around the North Sulawesi region, we accomplished our goal.
Even because Corona invited us „gently“ to go back to Europe two and half weeks earlier than planned, leaving behind a big workshop we had planned with our new collaborators and friends, Natalie and Johann got all the information and data needed. So now TWS can start the second phase of the project in Indonesia.
More than 30 interviews, talks and chats with local Stakeholders from the waste management sector, tourist sector, local NGO’s and Social organizations related to ocean protection, allowed us to:
- not only to create a strong network materialized as more than a dozen signed Collaboration Agreements Letters, and…
- participate on local events like Beach Clean-ups or planting trees for reforestation, but also…
- to create beautiful friendships we will never forget.
- And how to forget the presentation we gave at the church on how to manage waste in front of all the town? Great moments! 🙂
But this first success belongs to all supporters. So, we wanted to thank all our sponsors, collaborators, private donors, and volunteers. You have helped us to achieve our first phase successfully. The financial and non-financial help we got, allowed us to stay in Manado the necessary time to have enough information for an assessment that will now materialize in a strong project proposal for a waste management system model to be implemented in the region, using Siladen Island as a first pilot project to create the first Zero Waste Island in Indonesia.
More than ever, we are now committed to bringing to life this great project to fight against ocean plastic pollution. And so, we all together can make a great positive impact by protecting nature at the heart of the Asia-Pacific Coral Triangle!
Thank you all / Terima kasih!
Natalie and Johann Blanc, April 2020
