Press Release - Coral Triangle Day 2023

Coral Triangle Day 2023 ‘OceansNeedActions’: CTI-CFF Launches New Action Plan and Trust Fund to Strengthen Regional and Local Commitments

Coral Triangle Day ‘OceansNeedActions’ 2023: CTI-CFF Launches New Action Plan and Trust Fund to Strengthen Regional and Local Commitment

• Coral Triangle Day is celebrated every June 9 across the Coral Triangle countries, recognizing the ocean and its critical contribution to livelihoods and food security.
• CTI-CFF announces two new initiatives: the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) 2.0 and the Coral Triangle Conservation Fund (CTCF), a sustainable financing mechanism to support the ten-year strategic plan.
• The Regency Government of North Minahasa, North Sulawesi, introduces a new commitment to reduce plastic pollution by limiting single-use plastic consumption.

Likupang, North Sulawesi, June 9, 2023 – The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) proudly celebrated Coral Triangle Day 2023, marking the launch of the long-term ‘OceansNeedActions’ campaign.

This campaign encourages active participation from all stakeholders within the Coral Triangle region to address human-induced threats to marine ecosystems, with this year’s focus on plastic pollution.

CTI-CFF publicly announced the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) 2.0, a ten-year strategic framework (2021–2030) that outlines strategic directions, goals, and objectives. The plan aims to foster resilient communities that support the conservation of the world’s most diverse and vital marine resources.

“RPOA 2.0 was developed through consultation with all member countries, partners, and stakeholders. We are confident that CTI-CFF will rise to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead, contributing significantly to global conservation targets,” said Dr. Mohd. Kushairi Mohd. Rajuddin, Executive Director of the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat.

To support the implementation of RPOA 2.0, CTI-CFF and its partners launched the Coral Triangle Conservation Fund, a sustainable, long-term financing mechanism for Marine Protected and Conserved Areas (MPCAs). The fund aims to support the conservation of marine resources that sustain over 130 million people, and is currently in the start-up phase with early support from KfW/EU and USAID. Full operations are expected in 2024.

Dr. Kushairi added, “The Coral Triangle Conservation Fund will focus on protecting, restoring, and transforming marine protected and conserved areas within the Coral Triangle. Together, we can make a substantial difference in safeguarding our oceans.”

The CTI-CFF calls on all countries and coastal communities to act against global ocean plastic pollution, urging governments to reduce waste production, prevent environmental contamination, and implement innovative waste management solutions.

On this occasion, the North Minahasa District Government announced a new regulation banning single-use plastics in Likupang, a Super Priority Tourism Destination. Joune J.E. Ganda, Regent of North Minahasa, stated, “We are taking a significant step to preserve our natural resources, protect our marine environment, and support our fisheries and tourism industries.”

Likupang offers pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, making it a prime location for tourism and sustainable fisheries within the Coral Triangle.

Coral Triangle Day 2023 and the OceansNeedActions campaign represent a pivotal moment for conservation efforts. CTI-CFF looks forward to fostering collaboration and inspiring action to combat plastic pollution and preserve marine ecosystems.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Dewi Satriani
Communication and Information Manager
CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat
+62 811 910 970, dewi.satriani@cticff.org

Notes to Editors:

About the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF):
CTI-CFF is a multilateral partnership of six countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste) dedicated to sustaining the extraordinary marine and coastal resources of the Coral Triangle. CTI-CFF focuses on coral reef protection, fisheries management, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Learn more at www.coraltriangleinitiative.org.

About Regional Plan of Action 2.0:
RPOA 2.0 sets the strategic directions, goals, objectives, and key activities for 2021–2030. It addresses common threats such as pollution, destructive fishing, and other challenges, establishing 2 goals, 3 objectives, and 7 targets for all member countries. Download RPOA 2.0 here.

About Coral Triangle Conservation Fund:
The CTCF is a private, legally independent trust fund supporting CTI-CFF’s Regional Plan of Action 2.0 and the 30x30 global biodiversity targets. It will operate as a grant-making entity to ensure priority MPCAs are sustainable and effective. The fund follows a ‘Protect-Restore-Transform’ strategy and will prioritize multi-year projects with measurable impact in the CT6 region. More information here.