Waste Management Education & Awareness Research Corporate Responsibility

We are based in North Sulawesi, at the heart of the Coral Triangle.

 

Our Story

In early 2017, Dr. Miriam Weber and Christian Lott, marine biologists from HYDRA Marine Sciences, teamed up with scientists from Sam Ratulangi University (UNSRAT) to study bio-degradable plastic in tropical seas, using Bangka Island and the Coral Eye Marine Outpost as their base. During their research, they quickly realised that plastic pollution was severely impacting these fragile marine ecosystems.

They connected with Marco Segre Reinach, marine biologist and owner of Coral Eye, and Anna Clerici, then resort manager. Together, they began analysing waste flows on Bangka Island and exploring practical, locally adapted solutions.

Their findings revealed that around 70% of the plastic waste washing ashore was recyclable and held economic value, yet transportation costs made recovery financially unviable. In response, they started to develop scalable approaches and waste-management solutions tailored to island contexts.

What began as a locally driven community initiative gained international attention, and in 2022 NTTI established key partnerships with PRLS and CleanHub, enabling improved waste treatment solutions and full operational traceability. That same year, NTTI became a formally registered Indonesian foundation, and Anna Clerici joined the organisation full time, strengthening coordination, strategic planning, and long-term vision. This shift marked a transition from isolated local action to a structured, scalable, and replicable model—designed to be adapted across North Sulawesi and other regions of the Coral Triangle.

A coalition of ocean lovers who share the vision of eradicating plastic pollution.

Our founding and advisory team

 

Dr Miriam Weber, Marine Biologist, Researcher, Networker

Marine biologist with expertise in effects by diverse impacts on the aquatic system and its biogeochemistry. Since 2008 her scientific work focusses on investigating plastic in the environment, mainly biodegradable plastic because it is interesting to understand if new materials could be assessed for an environmental risk assessment. Since more than twenty years she is engaged in teaching and outreach activities to share her knowledge to the broader public. She NTTI supports because she believes in an integrated approach together with engaged people on site as well as world wide.

Andreas Eich, Marine Biologist, Researcher, Media

Marine biologist studying the degradation of biodegradable plastic in the sea and coordinating fieldwork. At NTTI he is responsible for the media content and supports the research projects.

Christian Lott, Marine Biologist, Researcher, Networker

Marine biologist with expertise in marine zoology, ecology and symbiosis.
Since 2008 he also investigates biodegradable plastic in the aquatic system to develop new testing schemes to measure how long this plastic will take to be eaten by microbes.
Since more than twenty years he is engaged in documentaries in order to transfer and share knowledge to the broader public.
He supports NTTI because it follows a scientific based approach as well as targeting solutions to collet waste at its source.

Gráinne Regan, Marketing Lead

Gráinne has worked in marketing for seven years, with experience managing a range of partnerships and campaigns across different mediums. She has held various marketing and partnerships roles for a number of large companies in London. Her passion for the environment led her to volunteer with NTTI in summer 2019, whilst on a year's career break. Since then, she's supported NTTI's efforts to spread the word about their root cause solutions approach to protecting the Coral Triangle.

Marco Segre Reinach, Marine Biologist, Owner of Coral Eye

Marco first came to Bangka Island in 2009. Working with three fellow marine biologists, he set up Coral Eye, originally as a marine outpost - a place where universities and students could exchange ideas and develop their projects. In 2013, he decided to open the outpost up to tourists. However, he still maintains Coral Eye's dedication to science, hosting researchers and students. As a founding member of NTTI, he used his connection to the island to create a community of do-ers and enablers. His support is vital to the ongoing success of the Initiative.

Jens Hamprecht Co-Founder and Managing Director of PRLS

Jens has almost two decades of experience in researching and co-creating circular value chains in the global plastics industry. He is passionate to bring people and skills together to find solutions for ocean plastics.

Anna Clerici, Project Co-ordinator

Anna started working at Coral Eye in 2017 as manager of the resort. She soon realised that beautiful Bangka was under serious threat from plastic pollution and so decided to get involved with NTTI. Anna was able to use her creativity to think of innovative ways of getting things done. Putting her people and management skills to good use, she has forged relationships with a number of key partners and has been instrumental in co-ordinating activities on the ground. Since 2022, she has been responsible for overseeing NTTI’s operations, supporting the transition from a local initiative to a structured foundation with a growing regional impact.

Our NGO board: passionate environmentalists from across North Sulawesi

 

Amelia Tungka, Board of Trustees

Amelia has been a long-standing supporter of the No-Trash Triangle Initiative, dating back to its early days as a locally led initiative on Bangka Island. A passionate diver and respected businesswoman based in Manado, she was among the first to support the development of a reliable plastic recovery system for island communities.

In 2018, she founded CV Daur Sinar Gemilang (DSG), which processes plastic waste from across the region. Her early trust and long-term commitment were key to NTTI’s transition into a formal foundation, leading to her role on the Board of Trustees. Read more about the work we’re doing together here.

Angelique Batuna, Board of Supervisors

Angelique has been passionate about marine conservation throughout her life and is actively involved in supporting community-based environmental initiatives. As co-owner of Murex Dive Resorts, a long-time NTTI resort partner, she promotes sustainable tourism and responsible waste management. With her strong commitment and deep understanding of the local tourism sector, Angelique provides trusted insight and oversight as NTTI expands its resort partner programme across North Sulawesi.

Arjun Langitan, Board of Supervisors

With over 22 years of experience as a dive guide, Arjun has witnessed firsthand the impact of plastic pollution on the reefs of the Coral Triangle. Based in Bunaken, he brings deep knowledge of island realities and strong relationships with local communities, government authorities, the Bunaken National Marine Park, and the diving industry.

As a member of NTTI’s Board of Supervisors, Arjun provides valuable local insight and oversight ensuring our work remains grounded, effective, and accountable.

Rena Novena, Board of Supervisors

Rena is a circular economy and marine practitioner passionate about protecting coastal and island ecosystems. Her work focuses on research, capacity development and project management across marine biodiversity, waste and plastic pollution, and ocean governance.

Rena was involved in getting NTTI’s first local education program off the ground and has continued to support NTTI as a member of NTTI’s Supervisory Board, bringing regional perspective and technical insights.

Mila Lahiwu, Chairperson

With a background in law and long-standing experience within the Megamas Group, Mila has been a key contributor to NTTI since its early stages. After serving as Secretary and supporting the foundation through its formal registration and setup, her commitment and deep understanding of the organization led to her appointment as Chair. In this role, she provides strategic guidance and governance to support NTTI’s long-term impact.

Ishella Siage, General Secretary

With a background in business management, Ishella joined NTTI in 2024 as part of the river project team, supporting project management for both operations and reporting. Highly organized and deeply committed, she works closely with local teams and communities, helping ensure smooth field coordination and effective implementation. Through this work, she has developed a strong understanding of how teamwork and local engagement are key to creating lasting environmental impact. Her dedication and reliability led to her appointment as a member of the foundation’s Board.