CTI-CFF and IUCN Collaborative Meeting

CTI-CFF and IUCN Collaborative Meeting

A day after the UN Ocean Decade Conference, representatives from the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) convened a meeting with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) team the IUCN Asia Regional Office.

Presented in the meeting from CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat were the Executive Director Dr. Frank Keith Griffin, the DED for Program Services Mr. Christovel RS. Rotinsulu and the NCCs, Partners and Private Officer Mr. Michael Tampongangoy. From the IUCN were James Hardcastle, Head of Protected and Conserved Areas, Maeve Nightingale, Asia Regional Office (ARO) Head Marine and Coastal Programme, Mohammad Khalid Sayeed Pasha, Asia Regional Coordinator Protected and Conserved Areas and IUCN Green List, Siska Sihombing, Programme Officer, IUCN Protected and Conserved Areas, and Satrio Adi Wicaksono, Programme Officer, Science and Strategy Group, Asia Regional Office (ARO).

Amidst a backdrop of shared commitment to marine conservation, discussions delved deep into the realms of collaboration and coordination between the two organizations. At the forefront were deliberations on the Solutions for Marine and Coastal Resilience in Coral Triangle (SOMACORE) Project, staff placements, and the broader implications of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Throughout the discourse, both CTI-CFF and IUCN recognized the imperative of aligning their initiatives with the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) 2.0, emphasizing the need for synergy across various project activities and Technical Working Groups (TWGs).

The meeting served as a platform for mutual appreciation, as CTI-CFF extended gratitude to IUCN for orchestrating the impactful "Advancing Marine Conservation in the Coral Triangle Region" side event. This event not only showcased active participation from members of the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) TWG but also underscored the potential and challenges faced by CT6 countries in managing their marine resources.

Central to the discussions was a shared acknowledgment of the critical importance of effective MPA management. Both parties recognized the need to redouble efforts in this regard, identifying it as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable conservation outcomes in the region.

Exploration of innovative financing mechanisms emerged as a focal point, with discussions revolving around the potential of Coral Bonds and Blue Bonds in ensuring the long-term sustainability of MPAs. Additionally, deliberations encompassed the development of associated metrics to gauge the success of such strategies.

The meeting marked a significant milestone with the formalization of the MoU between IUCN and the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, cementing their commitment to collaborative conservation endeavours.

From this point forward, both CTI-CFF and IUCN underscored the importance of continued collaboration, particularly in the lead-up to the imminent launch of the SOMACORE Project in June 2024. This collective resolve reflects their shared vision for a resilient and vibrant Coral Triangle region, where marine conservation remains at the forefront of sustainable development efforts.