CTI-CFF Interim Regional Secretariat New Year Message

As 2012 comes to an end, I am writing this year-end statement to reflect on the progress made during this transitional period for the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF). This year has been marked by continuous support and genuine commitment from all of you to advance CTI-CFF goals and targets, and to strengthen our capacity in preparation for the permanent Regional Secretariat.

This year has also been filled with enthusiasm and dedication. On behalf of the Steering Committee and Executive Committee of the Interim CTI CFF Regional Secretariat, I would like to express my special thanks for your contributions and support throughout 2012.

The Fourth Ministerial Meeting (MM4) of the CTI-CFF, held in Putrajaya, Malaysia in November, provided new and innovative ideas, tools, modalities, and recommendations to address regional issues. Our accomplishments were acknowledged, endorsed, and adopted by Ministers from the six CTI countries.

Our last meeting demonstrated that through strong leadership and coordination from country focal points, along with support from partner representatives, we have made remarkable progress toward the signing and ratification of the Agreement to establish the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat. Four countries have signed the Agreement, with the remaining two expected to follow. I hope that by mid-2013, we can finalize the transitional plan toward the establishment of the permanent Regional Secretariat. A copy of the signed Agreement is attached, and I look forward to receiving the complete set of signed Agreements.

To follow up on the mandate of the Putrajaya Joint Ministerial Declaration, which calls for the establishment of appropriate arrangements for the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat to receive financial contributions, I am pleased to inform you that the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat now has a bank account. I will provide the details shortly. Additionally, the MM4 approval to conduct a feasibility study in 2013 to support the draft CTI-CFF Financial Architecture will be a key milestone in securing funding for the Regional Secretariat’s operations.

With June 9 designated as Coral Triangle Day, I am confident it will raise awareness of the Coral Triangle as a globally significant eco-region, highlight the importance of oceans in people’s lives, and promote the protection of marine resources. Coral Triangle Day offers a strong opportunity to engage mainstream audiences, particularly youth, to celebrate and safeguard our shared marine resources for future food security and livelihoods.

I would like to acknowledge with gratitude the accomplishments of CTI-CFF in 2012. These include direct field activities, the establishment of thematic working groups, regional exchanges, and related activities in each member country. These achievements represent cumulative and progressive results.

The CTI-CFF Interim Regional Secretariat (CTI CFF IRS) has approved an operational plan to extend its mandate until the permanent Regional Secretariat is formally established and fully operational. We are revising the structure of CTI CFF IRS to align with operational and transitional plans, and I will provide updates on the results.

To implement the CTI-CFF Roadmap, we will facilitate commitments from all six CTI countries to finalize the ratification process, hopefully by May 2013. Once the host country agreement enters into force, we can proceed with critical next steps, including recruitment of professional staff, implementing regional activities under the RPOAs, and operating the Secretariat building. Achieving these milestones will require collective commitment from both member countries and partners. Your support in strengthening our efforts and collaboration will be essential for a fully operational permanent Regional Secretariat. We will discuss these matters in detail during the CTI-CFF Partners Meeting in mid-January 2013.

Finally, I extend my heartfelt thanks for the cooperation and support generously provided to me and the CTI CFF Interim Regional Secretariat staff throughout 2012. I also wish to acknowledge institutions and individuals who have contributed their time, funding, energy, and dedication to the CTI-CFF. I wish you all a joyful and peaceful holiday season and look forward to a 2013 filled with stronger capacity, closer coordination, and higher achievements. Happy New Year!

Dr. Sudirman Saad
Chairman, Interim CTI CFF Regional Secretariat /
Director General of Marine, Coastal and Small Island Affairs
Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Republic of Indonesia