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  • 21 Jun 2023

Inaugural Board Members of RCTF

 


 

The inaugural meeting of the founding board of the CTI-CFF Regional Conservation Trust Fund (RCTF) took place virtually on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. The meeting marked a significant milestone in the establishment of the RCTF, which aims to support a sustainable, effective, and climate-resilient regional network of Marine Protected and Conserved Areas in the Coral Triangle, benefiting both nature and communities.

The meeting commenced with introductions of the board members, who bring diverse backgrounds and expertise. Six prominent individuals will play crucial roles in shaping the future of conservation efforts in the Coral Triangle:

  • Dr. Mohd. Kushairi Bin Mohd. Rajuddin – CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat Executive Director. With extensive experience in regional conservation, he provides valuable insights and leadership to the board.
  • Anne Desdoigts – Independent Senior Advisor, Development Guarantee Group. Her expertise in development and conservation guarantees contributes to the strategic planning and implementation of the RCTF.
  • Rili Djohani – Executive Director of the Coral Triangle Center. She brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience in marine conservation, instrumental in achieving the RCTF's mission.
  • Len Garces – VP for Technical Services at Pacific Ream Innovations Management and Exponents, Inc. His expertise in technical services and innovations supports the implementation of effective conservation strategies within the Coral Triangle.
  • Salvatore Aricò – CEO of the International Science Council. His experience as a United Nations expert helps mobilize scientific knowledge and funding for climate change and biodiversity initiatives.
  • Michael Oto’ara Ha’apio, PhD. – Commonwealth National Climate Finance Advisor to the Government of the Solomon Islands. With 20 years of experience in climate change adaptation, financial management, and national climate action planning, he strengthens the RCTF’s efforts in building climate resilience.

These board members are passionate about conservation and committed to advancing the CTI-CFF mission. Following introductions, they were briefed on the RCTF's mission and strategy, which focuses on three pillars: Protect, Restore, and Transform. This approach addresses the pressing challenges faced by the Coral Triangle under the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) 2.0.

Board discussions also highlighted progress made to date. The recruitment process for the CEO position is underway, with shortlisted candidates identified. Preparations for the soft launch of the RCTF on Coral Triangle Day, June 9, 2023, are in full swing. These initial steps reflect the RCTF's commitment to becoming fully operational by Q4 2023.

The inaugural meeting underscored the dedication and collective efforts of the board members towards Coral Triangle conservation. The establishment of the RCTF was made possible through support from KfW/EU and USAID, in collaboration with WCS and CFA.