EU Ocean Governance Project’s Global Conference

EU Ocean Governance Project’s Global Conference

From 20 to 22 September, the picturesque city of Tarragona, Spain, hosted a gathering of global significance—the EU Ocean Governance (OG) Project's Global Conference. This event brought together over 70 dedicated marine protected area (MPA) managers and esteemed project partners from more than 30 countries, spanning the Atlantic Ocean, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

One distinguished guest at this gathering was Mr. Christovel R.S. Rotinsulu, Deputy Executive Director for Programme Services of the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat. In a compelling address, Mr. Rotinsulu highlighted the concerted capacity-building efforts and the spirit of cooperation that underpin Southeast Asia's conservation initiatives.

The conference spotlighted the OG Project's pioneering ecosystem restoration initiatives in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines—areas within the heart of the Coral Triangle. Significant strides have been made in rejuvenating coral reefs and nurturing mangroves, resulting in both the recovery of ecosystems and a notable increase in fish populations.

Preceding the conference was the Networks Twinning event—a two-day interlude marked by engaging exchanges and in-depth discussions among the networks of the EU Ocean Governance Program. The primary focus was the intricate management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Participants gained valuable insights into global best practices, including effective leadership and organization of protected areas, maximizing benefits, and monitoring ongoing activities.

This exchange of experiences highlighted the benefits of collaborative learning. For CTI-CFF, the event was particularly significant, providing opportunities to learn from other experts while sharing regional knowledge and achievements. The experience reinforced the commitment to advancing ocean conservation and promoting sustainable management practices for healthy and resilient marine ecosystems.

Prior to the conference, the Networks Twinning event took place—a two-day program featuring engaging exchanges and in-depth discussions among networks of the EU Ocean Governance Program. The event focused on the effective management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), providing participants with valuable insights into global best practices, including leadership, organization, maximizing benefits, and monitoring outcomes in MPAs.

The sharing of experiences underscored the value of collaborative learning. For CTI-CFF, the event was particularly significant, offering opportunities to learn from international experts while contributing regional knowledge and achievements. The engagement strengthened the commitment to advancing ocean conservation and promoting sustainable management practices for healthy and resilient marine ecosystems.