2024 CTI-CFF Seascapes Regional Exchange: Uniting Forces for Marine Conservation in the Coral Triangle

2024 CTI-CFF Seascapes Regional Exchange: Uniting Forces for Marine Conservation in the Coral Triangle

The 2024 CTI-CFF Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape and Bismarck-Solomon Sea Seascape Technical Regional Exchange brought together experts, partners, and country representatives in Kuala Lumpur from August 12-14, 2024. Organized by the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) with support from USAID Sustainable Fish Asia Technical Support (SuFiA TS), the event provided a crucial platform for sharing knowledge, strengthening partnerships, and tackling pressing marine conservation challenges in the region.

The exchange kicked off with inspiring opening remarks from Dr. Tan Beng Hoe, Malaysia's representative from the National Coordinating Committee (NCC), who welcomed participants and reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to advancing marine conservation within the Coral Triangle. Dr. Frank Keith Griffin, CTI-CFF's Executive Director, delivered a keynote emphasizing collaboration and collective action to address challenges in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape (SSS) and the Bismarck-Solomon Sea Seascape (BSS).

Key voices continued to set the tone, with Mr. Aisi Anas, Chair of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) Working Group, highlighting the urgency of unified efforts against overfishing and habitat degradation. Dr. Jan Steffen from GIZ emphasized partnerships for sustainable development, while Dr. Arlene Satapornvanit from USAID SuFiA TS stressed the importance of supporting national plans of action (NPOAs) through regional collaboration.

The first session focused on the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) 2.0. Mr. Christovel Rotinsulu, Deputy Executive Director for Program Services at CTI-CFF, led discussions on aligning national and regional plans, supporting NPOA development, and prioritizing regional activities. Using the Miro platform, participants connected national priorities to the seven targets and 17 regional activities of RPOA 2.0. Ms. Cristel Amarillo presented gaps in key indicators, sparking discussions to improve conservation effectiveness.

Dr. Frank Keith Griffin then led a session on restructuring the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, optimizing its role in supporting CT6 Member Countries and coordinating conservation initiatives regionally.

The COASTFISH Regional Framework was explored, with Dr. Norasma Dacho providing an overview of its development from 2017 to 2023. Participants discussed advancing its objectives and integrating it with the CT Atlas platform.

Expert insights on EAFM planning and capacity building were shared by Ms. Tanyalak Suasi (SEAFDEC) and Dr. Len Garces (RETT, USAID SuFiA TS). Their presentations on lessons learned and EAFM planning in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape sparked fruitful discussions on challenges and achievements in implementing NPOAs.

Country updates facilitated discussions on achievements and challenges in implementing national plans of action. Participants then divided into two breakout groups focusing on the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape and the Bismarck-Solomon Sea Seascape, discussing EAFM implementation and strategies to address regional challenges.

Fisheries management sessions covered climate change impacts, technological innovations, responsible seafood sourcing, and private sector engagement. The final day featured capacity-building workshops on managing climate risks in fisheries and tackling IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing.

Workshops included Climate Risk Management Planning by Ms. Margot Stiles and Coral Fellows developing strategies for climate-responsive fisheries. Maritime Domain Awareness/IUU Reporting Tool sessions were presented by Mr. Vincent Nguyen and Mr. Joey Pedrajas. WWF facilitated a Focus Group Discussion on Threatened Species, a preliminary step toward a Threatened Species Regional Conservation Plan.

As the exchange concluded, participants reflected on insights gained and strengthened partnerships. Closing remarks from USAID SuFiA TS, the Chair of EAFM TWG, and the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat inspired participants to address upcoming challenges with renewed energy and determination.