CORAL TRIANGLE DAY 2024 CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF CTI-CFF IN MANADO, NORTH SULAWESI

CORAL TRIANGLE DAY 2024 CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF CTI-CFF IN MANADO, NORTH SULAWESI

For more information:

• CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat: Dewi Satriani, Communication and Information Manager, dewi.satriani@cticff.org; +62 811 910 970

Manado, North Sulawesi, April 5, 2024 – The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) proudly announces the celebration of its 15th anniversary with a grand event in Manado, North Sulawesi, the birthplace of the initiative. Scheduled for Coral Triangle Day 2024, the celebration will bring together international, regional, and national stakeholders to honor progress in conserving one of the world's most biodiverse marine regions.

The celebration, taking place from 1–11 June 2024, is organized by the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat in partnership with the Provincial Government of North Sulawesi and various Indonesian government bodies and partners, including the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenkomarves), the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA), and the Blue Institute, among others.

"We are thrilled to host this landmark celebration in Manado, the very birthplace of the Coral Triangle Initiative," said Dr. Frank Keith Griffin, Executive Director of the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat. "As we reflect on our accomplishments over the past 15 years, we are also mindful of the challenges ahead. Through collaboration and innovation, we remain committed to preserving the unparalleled biodiversity of the Coral Triangle for present and future generations."

The celebration will feature a series of engaging activities addressing key challenges in the Coral Triangle region, including the CTI Science Symposium, the Seminar on Women’s Role in Fisheries, the Global Blue Economy Conference, the Coral Triangle Underwater Photo and Video Competition, and other interactive programs that participants in Manado and worldwide can join.

For the Provincial Government, this celebration also coincides with the initiation of Presidential Regulation No. 16/2024 concerning the Master Plan for National Tourism Destination Manado-Likupang. By promoting sustainable tourism practices, the development aims to harness the region’s economic potential while safeguarding its natural heritage for future generations.

Additionally, CTI-CFF will launch the Coral Triangle Conservation Fund, a dedicated trust fund mobilizing financial resources for conservation within the Coral Triangle region. CTI-CFF will also formalize a partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to collaborate and share knowledge in marine conservation.

Coral Triangle Day 2024 promises to be a momentous occasion, uniting stakeholders in a shared commitment to protecting one of the world's most ecologically significant marine regions. For more information and updates on the event, please visit www.coraltriangleinitiative.org.

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About the Coral Triangle and CTI-CFF

The Coral Triangle, spanning 6 million sq. km across Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste, is the global hub of marine biodiversity. It is home to 76% of the world’s coral species, 37% of coral reef fish, and commercially important species such as tuna. The region also hosts whales, dolphins, rays, sharks, and six species of marine turtles. Despite its richness, the Coral Triangle faces threats from unsustainable development, destructive fishing practices, overfishing, and climate change. In 2009, the six countries established the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF), a collaborative effort focused on biodiversity conservation and food security through sustainable management of marine resources. Strategies and actions under this initiative are outlined in the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) 2.0, available at www.coraltriangleinitiative.org.

About Coral Triangle Day 2024

Several key events are planned for the Coral Triangle Day 2024 celebration:

CTI Science Symposium: Esteemed academics and scientists from the CTI-CFF University Partnership, led by Sam Ratulangi University in Manado, will gather to share insights and research on critical topics such as coral health, sustainable fisheries management, marine protected areas, and the conservation of threatened marine species. The symposium aims to foster knowledge exchange and develop innovative solutions to preserve the Coral Triangle's marine biodiversity.

Seminar on Women’s Role in Fisheries: Recognizing the vital contributions of women in the fisheries sector, this seminar will explore ways to empower and support women in sustainable fishing practices. Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection of Indonesia and the CTI-CFF Women Leaders’ Forum, discussions will focus on promoting gender equality, enhancing economic opportunities, and strengthening community resilience in coastal areas.

Global Blue Economy Conference: Stakeholders from around the world who depend on Coral Triangle resources for their livelihoods and businesses will convene to discuss challenges and opportunities in sustainable ocean-based economies. Held in partnership with the Blue Institute, the conference will serve as a platform to forge partnerships and develop collective strategies for the long-term sustainability of the Coral Triangle’s marine resources.