Strategic Partners convey support to the finalization of CTI-CFF RPOA 2.0

Press Release

Strategic Partners Convey Support to the Finalization of CTI-CFF RPOA 2.0

Manado, Indonesia, 7 August 2020 - The Strategic Partners of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) have conveyed support to the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat and look forward to further collaboration on the refinement, finalization, and implementation of the CTI-CFF Regional Plan of Action (RPOA 2.0).

As CTI-CFF finalizes its RPOA 2.0, Strategic Partners, including Asian Development Bank (ADB), Australian Government, USAID RDMA, Global Environment Facility (GEF), Coral Triangle Center (CTC), WWF, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Conservation International (CI), and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), emphasized the importance of sustainable finance such as a Regional Conservation Trust Fund (RCTF). A revised RPOA will provide an essential foundation for this fund.

Partners highlighted the need for technical assistance to support RCTF design and encouraged exploring blue financing mechanisms beyond grant-based funding, including debt restructuring, blue bonds, and payments for ecosystem services (PES).

Mr. Martin Callow, Regional Director of Southeast Asian Archipelago, WCS, representing the Strategic Partners, stated that RPOA 2.0 would benefit from alignment with international frameworks such as the 30x30 marine protected area targets, post-2020 global biodiversity framework, and Sustainable Development Goals, to which CT6 Member Countries have committed.

“A Leaders Summit would be an important way to generate and demonstrate ongoing CT6 commitment to the CTI,” Mr. Callow said. Strategic partners also noted that ongoing member country contributions to the Regional Secretariat signal strong commitment to current and potential donors.

“We believe the Regional Secretariat performs significant technical and operational functions within CTI-CFF, and member countries should continue to invest appropriately, especially amid COVID-19-related challenges,” Mr. Callow added.

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About CTI-CFF

The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) is a multilateral partnership of six countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste (CT6). The CT6 countries work together to sustain extraordinary marine and coastal resources by addressing food security, climate change, and marine biodiversity challenges.

About the Regional Secretariat

The Regional Secretariat (RS) of CTI-CFF coordinates regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and learning among the six member countries. It monitors and supports the implementation of RPOA goals, coordinates official meetings and events, and provides technical and operational support to National Coordinating Committees (NCCs) and the CTI-CSO. The RS also facilitates communication, networking, and collaboration among Parties, CTI Partners, and donors to promote the objectives of CTI-CFF.