Terra Segara
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About Us

Who Are We?


Yayasan Terra Segara Indonesia (YTSI) is a non-profit organization based in Nusa Penida, Bali. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit words "Terra'' which means land and "Segara'' which means sea. Our first point of departure is we believe that the dynamics of land, sea, and the people—all constituent parts of the earth—impact one another as a single, interconnected whole. Thus, as a responsible human being we have the prominent responsibility to maintain the balance between the two. The founders of YTSI are all diving instructors whom have been living and working in Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA) for more than five years.

Founder

Pascal Sebastian

Pascal Sebastian

A distinguished Scuba Diving Instructor certified by PADI and ADSI, renowned marine biologist, and esteemed coral restoration expert. With a notable track record, he has spearheaded numerous research initiatives and coral restoration projects within the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA). His dedication to environmental conservation is encapsulated in his favorite quote: "There is no such thing as a free lunch."

What we do?

We are committed to addressing the challenges of coral degradation and ocean plastic pollution prevalent across the island. However, our primary aim extends beyond mere problem-solving; we are dedicated to instilling a shared sense of urgency and mobilizing collective efforts toward resolution. While these issues may not directly contribute to climate action, our overarching goal is to anchor the discourse of climate change and action in a substantive yet practical manner. Recognizing the global scope of climate change, we emphasize the importance of local engagement, advocating for solutions tailored to our immediate surroundings. To this end, we integrate the concept of cultural preservation, fostering a culturally relevant and accessible approach to climate action.

How do we work?

To effectively advance our overarching objective, we have identified three key focal points:

  1. Educate: Climate change awareness must be disseminated through various educational avenues, including formal, informal, and non-formal channels. For instance, integrating climate change education into scuba dive training offers a hands-on approach and fosters engagement through experiential learning.
  2. Preserve: While climate change predominantly impacts the environment, its adaptation necessitates addressing social and cultural dimensions. Therefore, efforts toward climate change adaptation should prioritize the preservation of local culture by honoring indigenous knowledge and traditional practices.
  3. Conserve: By fostering education and cultural preservation, individuals become more cognizant of climate change and its implications, motivating them to actively participate in conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding both natural and cultural heritage.

It is imperative to note that these agendas are dynamic and adaptable, evolving through participatory research methodologies. Operating on a collaborative basis with the community of Nusa Penida, we recognize their invaluable expertise and local wisdom as paramount. Hence, our approach is rooted in acknowledging and integrating their indigenous knowledge into our initiatives, placing their insights at the forefront of our endeavors.