Supporting school teachers to develop marine conservation programs for school children in villages where LINI works, remains a key activity for LINI. In January 2011, LINI conducted Training of Trainers for primary teachers in Banggai. 13 teachers from the villages of Bone Baru, Teropot, Popisi and Kalumbatan attended the training workshop.
Training modules included a basic knowledge of marine ecosystems,  conservation and biology of the locally-endemic Banggai Cardinalfish, and field observations of organisms inhabiting coral reefs, seagrass and mangrove habitats. The follow-up of this training is for the teachers to use their new knowledge to teach their children either in class or as an extra-curricular activity. One of LINI’s staff on the ground, Nengah Artiawan, will continue to assist the teachers in developing their classes.

Many of the teachers did not know that the Banggai Cardinafish is an endemic species that is only found in their region. Although the teachers live in areas surrounded  by reefs and other marine habitats that are rich with marine biodiversity, many of them experienced for the first time the chance to snorkel and enjoy the beauty and diversity of their own resources. This made a big impression on them.
LINI’s training team also learned many lessons from the Banggai TOT.  The next training for teachers is planned to take place in Penuktukan village, North Bali, on April 2 and 3. LINI welcomes volunteers to assist in this training!