The ultimate goal is to roll out a blueprint to other regions suffocated by plastic. But it's also about changing mentality and habits. We work hard to shift mindsets, using education, visible actions and community outreach to bring about change.
Cooperation with other communities is vital if we want to tackle the plastic waste problem and help preserve our coral reefs, mangroves and all ocean life.
In early 2017, Dr. Miriam Weber and Christian Lott, marine biologists from HYDRA Marine Sciences, teamed up with scientists from Sam Ratulangi University (UNSRAT) to study bio-degradable plastic in tropical seas, using Manado and the surrounding islands as their base. They soon realised that plastic pollution was devastating these delicate tropical ecosystems. Action was needed!
They got in touch with Marco Segre Reinach, a marine biologist himself and owner of Coral Eye resort on Bangka, a beautiful island off the coast of North Sulawesi, right in the heart of the Coral Triangle. Working together they carried out analysis to understand the extent of the problem.
They found that 70% of the waste washed up on Bangka Island’s shores was recyclable and had an economic value. However, the market value of the collected plastic was too low to cover the costs of transporting it to the mainland. And so, the No-Trash Triangle Initiative was founded to develop and manage a waste management program.
Thanks to public donations, support from other resorts in the region and our partners CleanHub and PRLS, the Initiative continues to grow and tackle the plastic pollution problem using root cause solutions.
In 2022, we’ve decided to scale our waste management model across the region. To enable this, we’ve partnered with CleanHub and PRLS to explore innovative waste treatments, further reducing the amount of plastic we send to landfill. These partnerships mean that the low value plastic we collect, which has traditionally been defined has “non-recyclable”, can be sent to a co-processing plant, converted into Alternative Fuels and Raw Materials (AFR) and used in the cement industry as fuel. This provides a greener solution for the cement industry and prevents the plastic from being burnt or sent to landfill.
Dr Miriam Weber, Marine Biologist, Researcher, Networker
Marine biologist with expertise in effects by diverse impacts on the aquatic system and its biogeochemistry. Since 2008 her scientific work focusses on investigating plastic in the environment, mainly biodegradable plastic because it is interesting to understand if new materials could be assessed for an environmental risk assessment. Since more than twenty years she is engaged in teaching and outreach activities to share her knowledge to the broader public. She NTTI supports because she believes in an integrated approach together with engaged people on site as well as world wide.
Christian Lott, Marine Biologist, Researcher, Networker
Marine biologist with expertise in marine zoology, ecology and symbiosis.
Since 2008 he also investigates biodegradable plastic in the aquatic system to develop new testing schemes to measure how long this plastic will take to be eaten by microbes.
Since more than twenty years he is engaged in documentaries in order to transfer and share knowledge to the broader public.
He supports NTTI because it follows a scientific based approach as well as targeting solutions to collet waste at its source.
Andreas Eich, Marine Biologist, Researcher, Media
Marine biologist studying the degradation of biodegradable plastic in the sea and coordinating fieldwork. At NTTI he is responsible for the media content and supports the research projects.
Anna Clerici, Project Co-ordinator
Anna started working at Coral Eye in 2017 as manager of the resort. She soon realised that beautiful Bangka was under serious threat from plastic pollution and so decided to get involved with NTTI. Anna was able to use her creativity to think of innovative ways of getting things done. Putting her people and management skills to good use, she has forged relationships with a number of key partners and has been instrumental in co-ordinating activities on the ground.
Jens Hamprecht Co-Founder and Managing Director of PRLS
Jens has almost two decades of experience in researching and co-creating circular value chains in the global plastics industry. He is passionate to bring people and skills together to find solutions for ocean plastics.
Marco Segre Reinach, Marine Biologist, Owner of Coral Eye
Marco first came to Bangka Island in 2009. Working with three fellow marine biologists, he set up Coral Eye, originally as a marine outpost - a place where universities and students could exchange ideas and develop their projects. In 2013, he decided to open the outpost up to tourists. However, he still maintains Coral Eye's dedication to science, hosting researchers and students. As a founding member of NTTI, he used his connection to the island to create a community of do-ers and enablers. His support is vital to the ongoing success of the Initiative.
Gráinne Regan, Marketing Lead
Gráinne has worked in marketing for seven years, with experience managing a range of partnerships and campaigns across different mediums. She has held various marketing and partnerships roles for a number of large companies in London. Her passion for the environment led her to volunteer with NTTI in summer 2019, whilst on a year's career break. Since then, she's supported NTTI's efforts to spread the word about their root cause solutions approach to protecting the Coral Triangle.
Amelia Tungka, Co-chairperson
Amelia has long been a supporter of the No-Trash Triangle Initiative. A passionate diver and influential Manado businesswoman, Amelia has been instrumental in setting up our logistics network. She founded CV Daur Sinar Gemilang (DSG) in 2018, which processes plastic from across the region for recycling. Read more about the work we’re doing together here.
Angelique Batuna, Co-chairperson
Owner of Murex Dive Resorts, Angelique has been passionate about marine conservation her whole life. Murex have long been a leader in pushing for more sustainable tourism practices and we look forward to gaining valuable insight from Angelique as we roll out our resort partner programme across the North Sulawesi region.
Arjun Langitan, Co-chairperson
With 22 years experience as a dive guide, Arjun has seen first hand the impact of plastic pollution on the Coral Triangle’s reefs. We look forward to working with Arjun as he supports our expansion and engagement of local communities. Based on Bunaken, Arjun will help us take our model to new island communities beyond Bangka.
Andrew Palit, Treasurer
Andrew is a local entrepreneur who works closely with local government as a member of special staff for the Vice Mayor of Manado. We hope to tap into his experience and network to grow our relationships with local businesses and government bodies as well as influencing young people across the region.
Mila Lahiwo, General Secretary
With a Bachelor of Law and years of experience working as secretary for Megamas Group, Mila is the perfect candidate to serve as our General Secretary. Mila has been instrumental in leading the administrative required to get our foundation status. She also has many years of guiding businesses in their environmental practices through her time spent serving on Megamas’ environmental leadership team.
Rena Novena, Advocate and Local Outreach
A passionate environmentalist, Rena has worked with the No-Trash Triangle Initiative for a number of years through her involvement with SeaSoldier Sulawesi Utara. Rena was involved in getting our local education programme off the ground and we look forward to continue working with her as we expand our local outreach.
