Banyuwangi, East Java (ANTARA) – The ASEAN-ID Blue delegation explored community-based blue economy initiatives in Banyuwangi during visits to the Red and White Fishermen's Cooperative (KNMP) in Lateng and the Bangsring Underwater Conservation Area.Banyuwangi District Head Ipuk Fiestiandani said on Wednesday (July 22) that the field visit gave delegates an opportunity to observe firsthand how local communities have implemented sustainable blue economy practices.ASEAN-ID Blue is an international forum initiated by Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) and New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).The forum brings together ASEAN member states, East Asia Summit (EAS) participating countries, and members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to exchange experiences in community-based blue economy development.According to Fiestiandani, delegates observed cooperative-based fisheries downstreaming at KNMP Lateng, including the production of value-added fishery products that help strengthen the livelihoods of coastal communities.The delegation also visited the Bangsring Underwater Conservation Area to learn about marine conservation initiatives led by local communities through coral reef rehabilitation and the development of marine ecotourism.Zelda Wulan Kartika, Expert Staff for Economic Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the future of ASEAN's blue economy would largely depend on successful local initiatives such as those implemented in Banyuwangi.She also highlighted the role of fishermen's cooperatives, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and conservation groups in translating international cooperation commitments into tangible benefits for local communities.Meanwhile, Fiestiandani explained that Bangsring, once severely damaged by destructive fishing practices, has been transformed into a marine conservation area and an ecotourism destination.She added that the Lateng Fishermen's Cooperative has successfully developed fisheries downstreaming activities, creating higher-value products that contribute to the economic well-being of coastal communities.The blue economy is a development approach that promotes the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources to support economic growth, improve community welfare, and preserve marine ecosystems.