CTI-CFF Coordination Mechanisms Working Group Prepare Next Steps for Permanent Regional Secretariat Transition

The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) Coordination Mechanisms Working Group (CMWG) held a meeting on March 21-22, 2013, in Bali, Indonesia. During the meeting, participants agreed to implement a series of actions to facilitate the transition to a permanent CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat.

Key steps include the development of a draft Operations Plan outlining staff structure, priority functions, and budgetary considerations of a permanent Regional Secretariat; establishment of an Appointment Committee; development of a staff remuneration structure including benefits and allowances; preparation of recruitment packages for the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director(s); design of a financial management system; and preparation of operational policies for meetings and travel.

Mr. Anang Noegroho of Indonesia, Chair of the CMWG, stated that the working group also agreed to recommend to the Council of Senior Officials the development of a CTI-CFF Communications Strategy Guideline. This guideline will take into account the CTI-CFF Communications Strategy Design and 2013 Workplan Draft presented at the 8th CTI-CFF Senior Officials Meeting in October 2012. It should include criteria for developing a CTI core theme, and its implementation will be based on the capacity and needs of each CTI member country.

Government representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste, along with CTI Partner representatives from the Government of Australia, USAID, ADB, TNC, and WWF, attended the meeting.

Photo Caption: Representatives from the CTI CMWG and CTI Development Partner Organizations at the meeting in Bali. Credit: Lydia Napitupulu