(EVENT UPDATED)

Please fill out this registration link to attend

This 90-minute side event will bring together scientists, innovators, surfers, fishers, and policymakers to explore and demonstrate accessible, ocean observing technologies. The session will showcase practical tools that enable inclusive participation in ocean monitoring, particularly in coastal and under-resourced regions.These technologies aim to democratize ocean observing, generate fit-for-purpose data for climate prediction, and foster regional and local resilience through inclusive participation.

The interactive session will be anchored around initiatives that expand the reach of ocean and climate monitoring by harnessing the knowledge, platforms, and commitment of local people:

Interactive Session: Inclusive Innovation for Ocean and Climate Observations
26 September | 11:00–12:30 (followed by “Science in Motion” demonstration)

Request participants to change into swimming costumes during the tea break and put clothing over the top to attend the session. 

Moderator - Juliet Hermes

Welcome and Introductions (10 mins)
The session opens with BMKG leadership and DBCP Chair Nelly Florida Riama, welcoming participants and setting the stage for why accessible, inclusive technologies matter for ocean and climate observations, grounding the discussion in the Indonesian context. 

Scene-Setting Presentations and Discussion (40 mins)

• Patrick Gorringe will frame the global need for accessible, scalable technologies, drawing examples from FVON, scuba-based monitoring, CoastMap, and ocean colour initiatives.

• Faruq Khadami will present a low-cost observation system for aquatic environments that uses AI-powered camera vision to detect floating debris, distinguishing plastics from other waste and classifying debris by size. This approach has strong potential for application in rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters, where pollution monitoring is most urgent. (3 minute video)

• Lizzie Murray will explain why surfers are a vital part of this story – how surfboard sensors close key coastal data gaps and how the surfing community is uniquely positioned to champion ocean stewardship.

• Rip Curl / Professional Surfer will zoom into the issues at Kuta Beach, sharing lived experience of environmental pressures and the potential role of sport in driving solutions.

• Local Indonesian voice (youth or community representative) will add personal perspective, sharing how ocean changes are felt daily and how local participation in monitoring offers empowerment and impact.

Each intervention will be short, followed by guided discussion to draw links across science, community, and policy.

There will also be time for further discussion and for participants to explore additional innovative technologies on display. Lamona Bernawis will showcase a Midi Secchi disc with the Forel-Ule Scale, a simple but powerful tool for tracking water clarity and colour that can be used in citizen science programmes. Together, these demonstrations highlight how both cutting-edge and accessible, low-tech approaches can contribute to a more inclusive global ocean observing system.

Closing Activity: “Science in Motion” (30 mins, running into lunch)
Led by Lizzie Murray, Tipi, and Rip Curl partners, participants are invited to join an immersive demonstration on the beach. Surfers, youth, and scientists will paddle or swim out with surfboard sensors, showing how accessible technologies can generate real-time data while strengthening community stewardship. The panel will remain available for informal discussion on the beach, creating a relaxed space for deeper exchanges as the session transitions into lunch.

Value Proposition for WCRP Steering Committee

This side event directly supports WCRP’s mission by:

1. Filling Observational Gaps in Coastal Regions

• The surfboard sensors and FVON provide in situ, high-frequency sea surface temperature and ocean condition data in nearshore zones—some of the most under-observed yet climate-vulnerable regions.
• These data complement satellite and model outputs, improving boundary condition accuracy and regional downscaling potential for WCRP’s modelling efforts.

2. Supporting WCRP’s Regional Climate Frameworks

• The Indonesian and African context supports the WCRP Regional Climate Activity, particularly its engagement in Southeast Asia and Africa.
• Highlight opportunities for integrating community-generated data into WCRP climate models and research
• Support regional capacity development aligned with WCRP's strategic framework

3. Demonstrating Scalable, Low-Cost Climate Observation Solutions

• These initiatives showcase alternative observing strategies that can be scaled across other tropical regions and SIDS, aligning with WCRP’s interest in sustainable, cost-effective, and adaptable climate infrastructure.

4. Building Capacity and Equity in the Climate Research Ecosystem

• Community involvement (fishers, surfers, local youth) demonstrates inclusive observing and science democratization, echoing WCRP’s focus on capacity development and diverse participation in climate science.
• Involvement of BRIN, BMKG, and local NGOs creates a model for co-designed, cross-sectoral implementation.

5. Linking Climate Research to Societal Benefit

• The discussion will explore how real-time data can support local decision-making (e.g., fishing, coastal management, early warning) and be fed into global climate models, thereby closing the loop between data generation, research, and application.
• Attracts media to the work being done not just in terms of innovative, accessible technology but also CLIVAR

• Stimulate dialogue on sustainability, equity, and open data principles in a changing climate.