Brunei Darussalam to be the 7th Member of CTI-CFF

Bandar Seri Begawan – On April 30, 2015, the Executive Director of the Regional Secretariat CTI-CFF, Prof. Widi Pratikto, paid a courtesy call to Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources of Brunei Darussalam. The meeting, held at the Bio Conservation Corridor in Bandar Seri Begawan, marked Brunei Sultanate’s commitment to joining the regional Coral Triangle Initiative collaborative effort. The event also discussed the process of Brunei Darussalam’s acceptance as a new member country of CTI-CFF.

At the 5th CTI-CFF Ministerial Meeting in Manado on May 5, 2014, Brunei Darussalam reaffirmed its intention to become the 7th member of CTI-CFF. This decision aligns with Brunei’s mission to contribute to the development of effective management strategies for global communities. Through membership, Brunei will benefit from scaling up research collaborations and gaining deeper understanding of marine ecosystem issues. Activities under this collaboration include training and exchange of experts, personnel deployment, and research to implement programs highlighted in the CTI-CFF Regional Plan of Action (RPOA).

The Minister remarked, “Brunei’s involvement in the Coral Triangle Initiative is significant because, geographically, we fill a gap on the Coral Triangle map. We are located at the corner, and with Brunei included, the entire enclave is enclosed.” At the same occasion, CTI-CFF Executive Director Prof. Pratikto expressed appreciation to Brunei Darussalam, saying, “It is marvelous to have Brunei with us, knowing that the country is located at the corner of the Sulu-Sulawesi region. We highly appreciate the Brunei government’s efforts to fulfill the administrative requirements to become a new member of CTI-CFF.”

The Brunei government has completed all technical and administrative requirements for membership. However, as a country outside the six original initiator nations of CTI-CFF, certain ratifications are required regarding the declaration and agreement. Brunei Darussalam, as a new member, is expected to adopt the CTI Leaders' Declaration on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (“Leaders' Declaration”) and to submit the accession instrument for the Agreement on the Establishment of the Regional Secretariat of CTI-CFF (“Agreement”).

Also attending the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Hajah Normah Suria Hayati binti Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama (Dr) Haji Awang Mohd Jamil Al Sufri; the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Primary Resources Department), Hajah Hasnah Binti Haji Ibrahim; the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Industrial and Entrepreneurship), Haji Khaairudin bin Haji Abdul Hamid; the Acting Director of Fisheries Management, Abdul Halidi bin Mohammad Saleh; and the Coordinator of CTI-CFF, Dr. Arwandirja Rukma.