The Internal Resource Committee (IRC) Meeting

The Internal Resource Committee (IRC) Meeting of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) was held virtually on 13 September 2023 via the In-situ Virtual Meeting Participation (VMP) platform on ZOOM. Although Mr. Celestino Da Chuna Barreto was absent, the meeting was skillfully chaired by Mr. Hendra Yusran Siry from Indonesia.

The meeting pursued two primary objectives. First, it evaluated actions undertaken by the Regional Secretariat (RS) in response to decisions made during the 17th Senior Officials Meeting (SOM-17), providing insights into progress toward implementing key resolutions for the conservation of the Coral Triangle.

Second, the committee thoroughly reviewed several pivotal topics in preparation for the 18th Senior Officials Meeting (SOM-18). Discussions included the 2022 Audit Report, offering a comprehensive financial overview, and the status of the 2023 Country Contributions, essential for maintaining CTI-CFF's financial stability.

A detailed assessment of the 2023 budget utilization ensured alignment with CTI-CFF's strategic goals and laid the groundwork for consideration of the proposed 2024 Regional Secretariat Budget, designed to drive the initiative's objectives. Forward-looking discussions also addressed the proposed Budget Forecast for 2025–2026, highlighting the importance of prudent financial planning.

The meeting provided critical updates on the PIO Grant and the Regional Conservation Trust Fund, integral instruments supporting conservation efforts within the Coral Triangle. These discussions reinforced the collective commitment to safeguarding the region's invaluable marine ecosystems.

A key development was the reinstatement of the Marketing and Information Officer position, pending approval at SOM-18, aimed at enhancing information dissemination among CTI-CFF stakeholders. This reflects a strong commitment to strengthening communication channels and fostering collaboration in awareness, education, advocacy, and fundraising efforts.