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IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)

Advancing knowledge and cooperation for a healthy ocean and prosperous society

Small Island Research and Development (SIRaD) International Training Workshop on Remote Sensing for Marine Environment Mapping

Jakarta, Indonesia, 24–28 November 2025

Introduction

The sustainability of small islands is vital to preserving marine biodiversity, cultural heritage, and the blue economy. Over the past two-decades, rapid economic growth across the Western Pacific, driven by tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, and extractive industries, has yielded development benefits but also intensified environmental pressures. Due to their remoteness, limited resources, and heightened exposure to natural hazards and climate change, small islands remain highly vulnerable and require science-based solutions to advance their sustainable development.

Recognizing these complex and interlinked challenges, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) established the Small Island Research and Development (SIRaD) Working Group in 2023, to foster interdisciplinary research, promote community engagement, and enhance national capacity to support the sustainable development of small islands.

In this context, the Sub-Commission, in collaboration with the Korea-Indonesia Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC), will convene this Training Workshop on Remote Sensing for Marine Environment Mapping. Tailored to Indonesia’s needs and as part of the UN Ocean Decade Action (KICOEST),  The training workshop will transfer specialized knowledge and practical skills in applying remote sensing for monitoring, assessing, and managing small-island coastal and marine environment.

Date and Venue
Training: 

  • 24-27 November 2025, KIOTEC (Lobster Auditorium/Training Room) & Tidung Island

  • 28 November 2025, Lune Ballroom, Movenpick Hotel, Jakarta

Objectives
The key objectives of this training workshop program are to:

  • Build participants’ understanding and awareness of the unique environmental characteristics, challenges, and vulnerabilities of small islands and their ecosystems.
  • Enhance participants’ skills in using remote sensing tools, such as Google Earth Engine (GEE), Geographic Information System (GIS), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based technology for mapping and monitoring small islands.
  • Conduct a field training on Tidung Island.

The training program is structured as a hands-on field exercise on Tidung Island, Seribu Islands, Jakarta,  covering the following specialized, practical modules:

  • Introduction to Coastal and Benthic Remote Sensing
  • Basic Google Earth Engine (GEE) Workflow
  • Benthic Classification in GEE
  • GIS for Map Refinement and Layout
  • Basic Drone Introduction for Coastal Mapping
  • Drone Data and Ground Truth Concept
  • Case study for Marine Environmental Policy

Expected Participant

Although this activity was designed to address Indonesia’s specific needs, it is also open to interested participants from other countries.

  • Training: 30 Participants (25 Indonesians; 5 Foreigners)
    • University student (Bachelor’s degree)
    • Research institution employee (entry-level researcher or scientist)
    • Local government officer or any relevant institution
  • Workshop: Training participants (30) & additional/Invited stakeholders (around 40)Training participants (30) & additional/Invited stakeholders (around 40)
  • Participant requirement: This training is open to beginners, early-career researchers, junior lecturers, undergraduate/graduate students, and technical staff who have a basic background or interest in coastal and marine studies.Participants are not required to have advanced technical experience, but a general understanding of environmental and spatial data concepts is recommended.
    • Have a background and basic understanding of marine science or oceanography, or any relevant background.
    • Eligible and have an active passport and/or visa to travel to Indonesia.

    • Proficient in both spoken and written English.