WELCOMING DR. FRANK KEITH GRIFFIN AS THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CTI-CFF REGIONAL SECRETARIAT

Manado, North Sulawesi (13/03) – The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Frank Keith Griffin as the new Executive Director of the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat. Hailing from Papua New Guinea, Dr. Griffin brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to the sustainable management and use of the Coral Triangle's vital marine resources.

Dr. Griffin, a distinguished professional who most recently served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Papua New Guinea, will lead the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat for a tenure of four years. His deep knowledge of the unique challenges facing the Coral Triangle region, combined with his passion for fostering collaboration, is expected to contribute significantly to the continued success and progress of the CTI-CFF initiative.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Frank Griffin as the new Executive Director of the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission to promote the sustainable management of marine resources, protect biodiversity, and enhance food security in the Coral Triangle region," said Christovel RS. Rotinsulu, Acting Executive Director of the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat.

Dr. Griffin's illustrious career reflects his dedication to environmental management and protection, including marine conservation and sustainable fisheries management. With a proven track record of leadership at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Dr. Griffin has consistently excelled in fostering collaborations and alliances.

"I am honored and excited to take on the role of Executive Director of the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat. The Coral Triangle is a globally significant region, and I am dedicated to working collaboratively with member countries, stakeholders, and partners to address the challenges and opportunities in sustaining the marine ecosystems and communities within the Coral Triangle," said Dr. Griffin.

In addition, the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Hanung Cahyono as Deputy Executive Director of Corporate Services and Dr. Yang Mee Eng as CEO of the Coral Triangle Conservation Fund (CTCF). Mr. Cahyono, joining from Indonesia, brings extensive experience from his roles within the Indonesian government, including the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. Dr. Mee Eng brings expertise in marketing and finance, gained through her three-year leadership at the ASEAN Foundation and over a decade in the creative industry sector.

The CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat is confident that Dr. Griffin, Mr. Cahyono, and Dr. Mee Eng will bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to enhance the organization’s effectiveness in promoting conservation and sustainable development across the Coral Triangle.

End of press release

Notes to Editors

About Coral Triangle

The Coral Triangle is the world’s center of marine life, covering around 6 million sq km of ocean across six Asia-Pacific countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. It is home to 76% of the world’s known coral species, 37% of the world’s coral reef fish species, and commercially valuable species such as tuna, whales, dolphins, rays, sharks, including 6 of the world’s 7 species of marine turtles.

About CTI-CFF

The CTI-CFF is a multilateral partnership established in 2009, comprising six countries working together to sustain biodiversity conservation and food security through the sustainable management of marine resources, considering climate change impacts. The CTI-CFF Member Countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Timor-Leste, and Solomon Islands) focus on conserving coral reefs and associated ecosystems within the Coral Triangle region.

The Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) 2.0 is available on the website: www.coraltriangleinitiative.org

About Coral Triangle Conservation Fund (CTCF)

The Coral Triangle Conservation Fund is an independent Conservation Trust Fund supporting Coral Triangle countries in achieving their 30x30 conservation ambitions (Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework) and implementing components of the CTI-CFF Regional Plan of Action 2.0. The Fund operates as a grant-making entity, mobilizing resources to ensure priority Marine Protected and Conserved Areas (MPCAs) are effective and sustainable while benefiting both nature and communities. Its strategy is based on the ‘Protect-Restore-Transform’ framework, focusing on multi-year projects with regional impact. Priority is given to coastal, marine, and/or terrestrial projects with measurable impacts on current or planned marine protected areas. More information is available in this video.

Profile photos for download: Google Drive folder