Coral Triangle Day 2024: A High-Level Forum on Blue Natural Capital

Coral Triangle Day 2024: A High-Level Forum on Blue Natural Capital

In an exciting collaboration with the Blue Institute of Seychelles, the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) marked Coral Triangle Day 2024 by hosting the High-Level Forum on Blue Natural Capital. This prestigious conference focused on marine ecosystems as sustainable investment opportunities, aligning perfectly with this year’s theme: "Balancing Marine Conservation and Blue Economy."

It began on Friday, June 7, 2024, with a memorable welcoming dinner hosted by Andrei Angouw, the Mayor of Manado, at the scenic Manado Bay outdoor area in the Mega Mas region. Guests enjoyed a delightful sunset cruise along the Manado coastline, followed by captivating Kabasaran dance performances and a feast of Minahasa’s culinary delights.

The High-Level Forum took place on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the CTI Center’s fifth floor. It opened with speeches from Dr. Frank Keith Griffin, Executive Director of the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, and H.E. Nico Barito, Special Envoy of Seychelles for ASEAN and founder of the Blue Institute. Additional addresses were given by Mr. Victor Manoppo, DG of Marine Spatial Protection at Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, and North Sulawesi’s Vice Governor, Mr. Steven Kandouw.

The first session, focusing on Blue Natural Capital, featured keynote addresses and presentations from notable speakers:

- His Excellency Mr. Danny Faure, the 4th President of the Republic of Seychelles.

- H.E. Mr. Nico Barito introduced the Blue Institute.

- Dr. Ralph Chami discussed financial markets in relation to Blue Natural Capital.

- R. Admiral Nick Lambert elaborated on the Blue Ocean Principles.

- Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim highlighted marine biodiversity’s role in blue natural capital.

- Mr. John Turner spoke on human resource development for coastal communities.

- Kristijan Curavic, President of the Ocean Alliance Conservation Member (OACM), addressed eco-marine tourism’s contributions to global resilience (teleconference).

- Dr. Bernadia Irawaty Tjandradewi from UCLG discussed the role of waterfront cities and local governments.

The session concluded with insights from Mr. Akmal Malik, Governor of East Kalimantan (Pj).

The second session examined the role of financial institutions in supporting the blue economy:

- Mr. Wijaya Hendra, Business Director of JTrust Bank Indonesia, and Mr. Nobuiku Chiba, Commissioner of JTrust Group Japan, discussed strengthening Indonesia’s blue economy ecosystem.

- Ms. Sunita Lukkhoo, Regional Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) for Southeast Asia and Pacific, presented on financing alliances to combat ocean degradation and pollution.

- H.E. Mr. Nico Barito provided concluding remarks, followed by the signing of MoUs between the Blue Institute and ASEAN Marine Biodiversity, and between the Blue Institute and Bank JTrust Indonesia.

The Government Forum, chaired by Dr. Griffin and Ambassador Barito, showcased success stories from regional and national governments within the Coral Triangle. Highlights included:

- Remarks by Mr. Victor Manoppo, DG of Marine Spatial Protection, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia.

- A video presentation on the Berau Marine Protected Area (MPA) by Michael Abundo from Blue Institute, and remarks from Mrs. Sri Juniarsih, Regent of Berau Region.

- Discussions on blue natural capital modalities by Mr. Luu Anh-Duc from VASI, Vietnam.

- Contributions from regional leaders such as Mr. Freddy Thie (Regent of Kaimana), Mr. Haliana (Regent of Wakatobi), and remarks from the Mayor of Manado City and CTI member countries (Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste).

Parallel to this session, Dr. Yang Mee Eng, CEO of Coral Triangle Conservation Fund (CTCF), presented the future program and achievement targets of the trust fund.

The final session covered technical aspects of ocean resilience, mangrove and seagrass management, and sustainable fisheries. Notable speakers included Rueben Rajasingam, Dr. Susan Montgomery Graham, Dr. Peter Wellington Howe, and Mr. Blane Olson. 

The event concluded with a site visit on Sunday, June 9, 2024, to a tuna processing and canning facility in Bitung. At PT. Nusatuna, participants observed sustainable tuna fishing practices, reinforcing the forum’s themes of conservation and sustainable industry.