By: Natalia Trita Agnika

There was a different scene at the Serui pier, Yapen Islands Regency on Monday (06/06). In the morning after the rain stopped and the weather began to clear, a cheerful atmosphere was seen around the pier. The cheerfulness was brought by KM. Gurano Bintang which indeed has cheerful colors and various paintings of marine animals on its hull. The presence of WWF-Indonesia's monitoring and education ship at the Serui dock is in the framework of the Saireri Expedition with KM. Gurano Bintang which will last until June 17, 2016.

On the occasion, a release ceremony was held by the Vice Regent of Yapen Islands Regency, Frans Sanadi in the presence of Muspida and representatives of kindergarten, elementary, and high school students in Serui. Piter Roki Aloisius from WWF-Indonesia Papua Program explained that the Saireri Expedition aims to collect data on ecotourism, marine, and forestry potential; document socio-economic conditions, culture, and ecotourism potential; and provide an understanding of conservation through environmental education, especially to elementary school students in the villages of the expedition destination.

In his speech, Frans Sanadi advised all the people in Serui, especially those who live in the villages that will be visited by the expedition team, to welcome the arrival of the team and carry out good cooperation so that it results in success for the common good. Tifa sounded by the Deputy Regent of Yapen Islands marked the release of KM. Gurano Bintang to carry out the Saireri Expedition. On a separate occasion the night before, the Regent of Yapen Islands, Tony Tesar also expressed his appreciation for the Saireri Expedition. "We welcome this activity. Nature needs us. We must take good care of it. The condition of Serui (in particular -Red) and the Yapen Islands (in general -Red) must not be destroyed," Tony explained when receiving the expedition team at the regent's residence on (05/06).

The Deputy Regent and the ranks of the regional government also had the opportunity to board KM. Gurano Bintang which was docked and took a tour to see the facilities on the ship. Explanations about whale sharks, environmentally friendly diving techniques, and various environmental education modules were given by WWF-Indonesia staff who are members of the Saireri Expedition team. Furthermore, the students present also conducted activities on board KM. Gurano Bintang.

Students in grades X and XI of SMA 2 Serui learned about the food chain in coastal and marine ecosystems. An exciting atmosphere was seen when the facilitator invited playing and asking questions. Nico Firman, an XI grade student hopes that KM. Gurano Bintang come back and expand its expedition area. "Thank you for coming to Serui. We got a lot of benefits by learning here," he said. At the same time, Ade Irma Serui Kindergarten students were invited to get to know and love animals and the environment through coloring activities.

The group of students from SD Inpres 1 Serui was no less enthusiastic. They were fascinated by the figure of a whale shark or star gurano displayed on a television screen. In addition to getting to know whale sharks, the students also learned about coastal and marine ecosystems. They also read various learning modules developed by WWF-Indonesia's ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) Team. The book was opened and read endlessly. Some even wanted to take it home to read at home.

The environmental education activities carried out at the release ceremony will also be carried out in the villages that are the research destinations of the Saireri Expedition. Thus, teachers in the village can also gain insight into learning modules related to the environment. On Tuesday (07/06), KM. Gurano Bintang will start sailing to the villages according to the research track for data collection. Various information about the Saireri Expedition can be followed through social media with the hashtag #XPDCSaireri.