The 18th Senior Officials Meeting of the CTI-CFF

The 18th Senior Officials Meeting of the CTI-CFF

The 18th Senior Officials Meeting (SOM-18) of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security marked a significant step forward in regional cooperation and conservation efforts. Held on November 6–7, 2023, via Zoom, the event was chaired by His Excellency Celestino Da Cunha Barreto, Chair of the Committee of Senior Officials, representing Timor-Leste. This virtual gathering brought together all six member countries, underlining the continued commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the Coral Triangle region.

The primary objectives of SOM-18 were multi-faceted, including acknowledging reports and addresses, approving the budgets and work plans of various working groups for 2024, and expressing gratitude for support received from strategic partners and other stakeholders.

The meeting summarized 136 acknowledgements and recommendations outlined in the Chair's Summary. These decisions were the result of collaborative efforts from technical working groups, the Regional Secretariat, university partnerships, and strategic partners. They align with the goals set forth in the Regional Plan of Action 2.0, demonstrating a collective commitment to safeguarding the Coral Triangle's rich marine biodiversity.

Key decisions emerging from SOM-18 included the development of a National Plan of Action for each member country, the expedited operationalization of the Coral Triangle Conservation Fund, and the establishment of an Internal Control Committee. This committee, suggested by external auditors, will support the Regional Secretariat, enhancing operational efficiency and financial integrity.

Furthermore, the meeting endorsed potential partnerships to strengthen the Coral Triangle Atlas—a crucial tool for monitoring and marketing efforts. This collaborative approach aims to harness the expertise of various stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of conservation initiatives.

SOM-18 also expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from partners, with special recognition given to USAID for its contributions, including the Sustainable Fish Asia Technical Support project. Additionally, the Coral Triangle Center and WWF were acknowledged for their collaborative efforts with the Regional Secretariat in developing the Capacity Building RoadMap.

At the end of the meeting, SOM-18 witnessed the handover from Executive Director Dr. Mohd. Kushairi Mohd. Rajuddin to Deputy Executive Director for Program Services, Mr. Christovel R.S. Rotinsulu. Dr. Kushairi and Mr. Gustaaf Adolf Lumiu, Deputy Executive Director for Corporate Services, concluded their service contracts with the Regional Secretariat on November 8, 2023. The meeting expressed deep gratitude for their invaluable contributions and wished them success in their future endeavors.

Mr. Christovel R.S. Rotinsulu will serve as Acting Executive Director until the appointment of the new Executive Director from Papua New Guinea. This seamless transition underscores the continuity and commitment of the Coral Triangle Initiative in its mission to conserve and sustainably manage the marine resources of this ecologically vital region.

All documents related to SOM-18 can be accessed here: 18th Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM-18) Chairman's Summary and its Annexes and Attachments | CTI-CFF