MDPI Supports Staff with Training Opportunity in the United States

by M.A. Indira Prameswari

MDPI is committed to supporting the capacity development of each staff member, tailored to their specific job functions. This commitment extends beyond internal training programs organized by MDPI, as staff are also encouraged to seek knowledge and experiences from external sources.

One of the staff who participated in an external development program is A. Riza Baroqi, more commonly known as Riza. He took part in the ‘Blue Pioneers Accelerator,’ a scholarship program by the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), designed to enhance skills in solving marine ecosystem challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.

As a part of his daily tasks, Riza often travels to government offices across Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, and Jakarta, managing MDPI’s relationships with the government.

His busy schedule made me curious—and a bit surprised—about what drew his attention to join the training program amidst such a packed routine.

“There are still many small-scale fishers who cannot read, write, and are unfamiliar with technology. Yet, they are expected, for example, to conduct electronic-based fisheries data collection, which is impossible without literacy skills. To me, that’s quite a troubling fact,” Riza explained.

His response stems from a concern about the social inequality faced by coastal communities in Eastern Indonesia. In his view, there is still a great deal of untapped potential in these coastal areas, often hailed as Indonesia’s most productive fisheries region.

“Many coastal communities in Eastern Indonesia still consume protected species that play a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem’s health to mitigate the climate crisis. Many communities are unaware of the impacts, hence awareness raising should be addressed,” he added.

Establishing the ‘Turtle Oasis Project’

Riza applied for the scholarship independently after seeing the announcement in the Packard Foundation’s media channel. This program has built the capacity of many fisheries and marine experts from Asia-Pacific.

The application process was rigorous, requiring him to meet all administrative criteria and demonstrate not only the personal benefits but also the broader impact of the scholarship. Once Riza was accepted, MDPI provided full support for his participation in the training program, which took place in California, USA, from July 8-18, 2024. There, he had the opportunity to learn from leading marine and fisheries experts.

The scholarship offered access to open lectures and direct mentorship from industry professionals. Riza, following his passions, focused on areas like coastal finance, conservation, community organizing, and outreach.

By the end of the program, participants were grouped to develop projects addressing key challenges in their home countries. The best project would be awarded a USD 50,000 grant for implementation, and Riza’s group secured first place with their winning project.

“We named our initiative the ‘Turtle Oasis Project,’ designed to raise awareness and drive behavioral change among coastal communities as part of our efforts to conserve sea turtles in Eastern Indonesia,” Riza shared.

In regions such as Maluku, North Maluku, and Papua, sea turtle consumption remains deeply rooted in local culture. Turtles are considered a delicacy for special events, despite their protected status and vital role in marine ecosystems. These animals help maintain the balance of algae and coral reefs, which are crucial carbon absorbers, making them essential in the fight against climate change.

“This project will offer incentives in the form of tokens to community members who engage in sea turtle conservation efforts. These tokens can then be exchanged for daily necessities at local partnering stores,” Riza explained.

Once the grant funds are disbursed, Riza and his team plan to launch the Turtle Oasis Project, running from November 2024 to September 2025.

A gift for self and the organization

This training aims to support coastal communities by providing access to facilities and capacity building. “I pursued this scholarship to enhance my skills, and to be good at my work in MDPI,” said Riza.

As individuals, we have desires to develop our personal selves by utilizing available resources and opportunities. MDPI actively supports staff members in their efforts to build their capacity. At MDPI, we learn to network with various stakeholders—fishers, industry leaders, experts, and the government—and stay updated on the latest developments in the fisheries sector, especially in Indonesia. Personal capacity development can have a positive impact on staff well-being as well.

“This experience has not only brought me personal fulfillment but has also improved my performance at MDPI. If the project succeeds, it can be replicated and expanded to support MDPI’s broader program goals,” Riza added.

Read also: Connecting Local Organizations, Safeguarding Wallacean Fisheries