Korea-Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC) implementing a program titled "Capacity Development for Benthic Mapping Training" which took place on September 28 - October 2, 2024 at Pari Island, Kepulauan Seribu and the KIOTECH Office, BPPSDMKP Ancol. Two expert trainers from Pusan National University, South Korea brought in to led the training which also attended by the MTCRC reserchers.
During the five-day intensive training, participants learned the operation of drones equipped with multispectral sensors and hyperspectral radiometers to build a spectral library of benthic objects. Additionally, participants were trained in data processing, including the creation of orthophotos, atmospheric correction, light reflection correction, water column correction, and the use of the semi-analytical method SAMBUCA for benthic habitat classification. Mapping of benthic habitats in Indonesia is still limited and has not developed well. With this training, the methods learned are expected to be applied across clear waters in Indonesia to support efforts in protecting coastal ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and contributing to climate change mitigation through the sustainable use of blue carbon resources, which is one of the main focuses of the MTCRC.
This training is also expected to strengthen the capacity of MTCRC researchers, particularly in benthic habitat mapping surveys using multispectral sensors and the implementation of more efficient methods for mapping in small islands. One of the long-term outcomes of this training is the development of a guide or methodology for benthic habitat mapping, which will serve as an important resource in the implementation of capacity-building projects through the Official Development Assistance program titled 'Establishment of the Integrated Ocean Fisheries Technology Training Center and Enhancement of Capacity Building in Indonesia' (ODA KIOTEC). The ODA KIOTEC project is funded by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) of the Republic of Korea and initiated by the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs (Kemenko Marves) of the Republic of Indonesia. This project aims to enhance the capacity of Indonesian human resources in the maritime sector, particularly through specialized courses and training programs.
During this training, Mr. Seungil BAEK, as the trainer, stated that this training is a good step toward enhancing human resource capacity in Indonesia. The knowledge gained will not only strengthen participants' abilities in benthic habitat mapping surveys but also contribute to conservation efforts and the sustainable management of marine ecosystems.
The results of this training were also presented by MTCRC researchers during one of the sessions of the Regional Training and Research Center on Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health (RTRC-MarBEST) program titled 'Remote Sensing-Based Seagrass Blue Carbon Assessment,' organized by the Oceanographic Research Center, BRIN. Through this training, MTCRC demonstrates its commitment to supporting sustainable research, particularly regarding blue carbon, as well as strengthening cooperation between Korea and Indonesia in the field of marine research and technology development in general.
