Blessing Ceremony Marks the Official Use of CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat Building in Manado

A modest blessing ceremony for the office opening marks the official use of the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat Building in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, today.

Widi A. Pratikto, CTI-CFF Executive Director, encouraged all stakeholders—especially those with activities in Manado—to utilize the facilities and join forces in safeguarding marine resources for sustainable livelihoods in the Coral Triangle countries.

One of the key supporters comes from the academic community, where Prof. Dr. Ir. Ellen Joan Kumaat, the honorable Rector of Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, attended the event and delivered a supportive speech, highlighting how CTI-CFF's presence could bring significant positive changes to Manado and the CT6 countries.

Other guests attending the ceremony included representatives from the Oceans and Fisheries Partnership of USAID RDMA, who had participated earlier on 29 February in a two-day meeting (29 February – 1 March 2016) with CTI-CFF regarding project partnerships and implementation.

In summary, the Regional Secretariat staff of CTI-CFF are ready to work from both Manado and Jakarta to implement exciting programs aimed at safeguarding the “Amazon of Seas”: the Coral Triangle!