7th MPA Regional Exchange revisits plans to effectively manage marine protected areas in the CTI Region

Sorong and Raja Ampat, Indonesia, 8 October 2018. The Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) recognizes the critical need to safeguard and manage marine and coastal resources, as people of the CTI region depend on coral reefs and fisheries for their food and livelihoods.

It is within this backdrop that the CTI Marine Protected Area Technical Working Group (MPA TWG) came together to discuss their plans and activities during the recent MPA Regional Exchange held in Sorong and Raja Ampat, Indonesia.

The MPA TWG revisited and updated the MPA Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) indicators and database, as well as their implementation. The M&E indicators and database are particularly important for the design and planning of MPAs and MPA Networks throughout the CTI region by governments, NGOs, and researchers. The database provides access to spatial information and encourages stakeholders to share data to fill gaps, reducing duplication in data collection and providing complete and current information.

The group also discussed the criteria and branding for Sustainable Marine Tourism in the CTI-CFF MPA System. The intention is to create a unique “brand/image” for MPAs in the CTI region, distinct from other MPAs worldwide. This branding will guide CT6 countries in managing sustainable tourism, taking into account: the conservation of biological and cultural diversity; sustainable use of ecological resources; support for local economies; job creation for local populations; community empowerment; increased environmental and cultural awareness; and minimal environmental impact from tourism.

The participants of the Regional Exchange also had a field trip to Raja Ampat. According to Mr. Andi Rusandi, Chair of the CTI-CFF MPA Technical Working Group and Director for Marine Conservation and Biodiversity of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries in Indonesia, “Marine protected areas are recognized as a model for habitat preservation and conservation that supports coastal communities and related sectors in local and national development. The importance of MPAs to the economic sector is clearly seen in Raja Ampat, which offers community-based management of marine protected areas.”

Dr. Gregory Bennett, CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat Technical Senior Program Manager, cited that the field trip highlighted how stakeholders in Raja Ampat are protecting local marine resources while promoting sustainable tourism. “Sustainable coastal tourism can help preserve artisanal fishing communities, allow for subsistence fishing, protect the environment, and contribute positively to sustainable economic development,” Dr. Bennett said.

He added that increasing the size of MPAs has significantly enhanced the local community’s ability to manage coastal marine resources while upholding food security within a healthy ecosystem. He called this “community self-governance,” a community-based approach that encourages local ownership and environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, Dr. Bennett highlighted that threats are increasing due to rapid population growth, expanding commercial interests, and decision-making constrained by incomplete information. Events such as climate change, coral bleaching, cyclones, and tidal waves have devastating impacts on the region's biodiversity. The MPA Regional Exchange provides an opportunity for participants to discuss pressing issues affecting coral reefs and associated fisheries, seek opportunities to address challenges, and collaborate to ensure sustainable resources and livelihoods for millions in the region.

The 7th MPA Regional Exchange was organized by the MPA Technical Working Group with support from the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, Indonesia National Coordinating Committee, and SEA Project Indonesia.

***

About CTI-CFF

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 (CT6). The CT6 countries work together to sustain extraordinary marine and coastal resources by addressing crucial issues such as food security, climate change, and marine biodiversity.

The CTI-CFF was formally established during the Leaders’ Summit in 2009 with approval from the leaders of the CT6 countries. They adopted the CTI Regional Plan of Action (CTI RPOA), a strategic action plan with five goals:

1. Designation of effectively managed seascapes;
2. Application of an ecosystem approach to fisheries management;
3. Establishment of a fully functional marine protected area system;
4. Strengthening climate change adaptation and resilience;
5. Improving the status of threatened marine species.

About Regional Secretariat

The Regional Secretariat (RS) of the CTI-CFF is mandated to promote regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and learning facilities within the six member countries of the Coral Triangle. The RS coordinates and monitors the progress of the implementation of the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) goals. It also coordinates official meetings and events linked to the CTI-CFF process, including cross-cutting services in support of monitoring and evaluation, financial coordination, information management, and outreach.

The RS coordinates the implementation of the CTI-CFF RPOA and provides support to, and coordination with, National Coordinating Committees (NCCs), including advising the CTI-CSO on emerging opportunities and priorities to reach the goals and targets of the RPOA. The RS also acts as a channel of communication and information sharing, fostering networking among the Parties, CTI Partners, and other organizations and donors in promoting the objectives of the CTI-CFF. The Regional Secretariat is currently based in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Media Contact:

Janet Rosalie Anne H. Polita

Communication & Information Manager

CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat
www.coraltriangleinitiative.org
jpolita@cticff.org
cc: regional.secretariat@cticff.org