Coral Triangle Initiative

Coral Triangle and countries participating in the Coral Triangle Initiative

Manado-summit

Coral Triangle Initiative

The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) is a multilateral partnership of six countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste) formed with the aim of safeguarding the Coral Triangle's marine and coastal biological resources. The Coral Triangle is recognized as the global center of marine biodiversity and is a critical area for the world's coral reef ecosystems, containing 76% of all known coral species and more than 3,000 species of fish. The initiative seeks to address the urgent threats facing the Coral Triangle, including overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and climate change-related impacts such as ocean warming and acidification.

Background

The Coral Triangle, often referred to as the "Amazon of the seas," covers an area of 5.7 million square kilometers of ocean waters in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The region supports tens of millions of people who rely on its marine resources for food, income, and protection against storms and erosion. Recognizing the ecological significance and the looming threats to the area, the six Coral Triangle countries came together to form the CTI-CFF in 2007, with a formal agreement signed in 2009.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Coral Triangle Initiative include:

• Ensuring effective management of the region's marine biological resources.
• Reducing the loss of biodiversity and degradation of critical ecosystems.
• Enhancing food security and improving livelihoods among coastal communities.
• Promoting sustainable development and the protection of the marine environment.

Actions and Strategies

To achieve its objectives, the CTI-CFF has developed a Regional Plan of Action, which outlines strategies and actions in five key areas:

1. Seascapes - Designing and implementing networks of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to ensure ecosystem integrity. 2. Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) - Promoting sustainable fishing practices and policies. 3. Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Management - Enhancing the effectiveness of MPAs through improved management and governance. 4. Climate Change Adaptation - Developing and implementing strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on marine and coastal ecosystems. 5. Threatened Species - Protecting endangered marine species by reducing threats and improving their habitats.

Challenges

Despite the initiative's ambitious goals, the CTI-CFF faces significant challenges, including political, financial, and technical obstacles. Ensuring the commitment and cooperation of all six member countries, securing sustainable funding for long-term projects, and addressing the impacts of climate change are among the critical challenges that the initiative must overcome.

Impact

The Coral Triangle Initiative has made notable progress in several areas, including the establishment of new Marine Protected Areas, the development of national and regional plans for managing fisheries, and increased awareness and capacity building for climate change adaptation. However, the ongoing threats to the Coral Triangle's biodiversity and the livelihoods of its dependent communities underscore the need for continued effort and international support.