CTI-CFF Strengthens Collaboration at the 8th IUCN Asia Regional Conservation Forum
CTI-CFF Strengthens Collaboration at the 8th IUCN Asia Regional Conservation Forum
The 8th IUCN Asia Regional Conservation Forum (RCF), held in Bangkok, Thailand (3-5 September 2024) under the theme "Reimagining Conservation in Asia: A Nature Positive Future," brought together diverse leaders, policymakers, and environmental experts to discuss strategies for tackling Asia's most pressing conservation challenges. Among the key participants was the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF), represented by Executive Director Dr. Frank Keith Griffin and DED for Program Services Mr. Christovel R.S. Rotinsulu, furthering the organization’s commitment to marine biodiversity and sustainable fisheries in the Coral Triangle region.
The forum’s inaugural session set the tone for high-level discussions. Dindo Campilan, Regional Director for IUCN Asia, welcomed participants with a call for collective action against environmental issues like climate change and biodiversity loss. IUCN Director General Grethel Aguilar stressed the importance of multi-sector collaboration, reminding participants that governments, the private sector, and civil society must unite to develop sustainable solutions.
Razan Al Mubarak, IUCN President, shared an inspiring message about the responsibility of global actors to innovate in conservation. A keynote address from a representative of the Government of Thailand underscored the national commitment to biodiversity protection, setting a strong foundation for discussions that followed.
A significant milestone of the day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CTI-CFF and IUCN. This agreement solidifies the two organizations’ commitment to work together on marine conservation initiatives, particularly within the Coral Triangle, one of the world's most biologically diverse marine regions. The MoU with IUCN will further enhance collaborative efforts, reciprocal support, mutual benefit and recognition, as well as collaboration on projects and activities.
On the second day of the event, Maeve Nightingale, Senior Programme Officer for Coastal and Marine at IUCN Asia, warmly welcomed attendees to the Healthy Ocean session. The line panellists were Yingfeng Guo from the National Marine Hazard Mitigation Service of China, Brigitta Maria Andrea Gunawan, a passionate Young Explorer and ocean advocate, Ana Maria Kumarasamy, an Associate Programme Officer with the Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter Secretariat at UNEP, and Dr. Frank Keith Griffin, the Executive Director of CTI-CFF.
Dr. Griffin presented an overview of the organization’s work and commitment to protecting marine biodiversity and promoting sustainable fisheries in the Coral Triangle, a region known for its rich marine life. Dr. Griffin emphasized the necessity of collaboration among member countries to achieve these goals, showcasing various successful partnerships and initiatives that have made a positive impact.
During this session, Dr. Griffin shared CTI-CFF’s experience in fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration within the Coral Triangle region. He outlined successful initiatives that have brought governments, NGOs, and local communities together to implement sustainable practices in fisheries management and marine conservation.
CTI-CFF’s participation in the 8th IUCN Asia RCF underscores the organization’s leadership in marine conservation and its dedication to fostering collaboration for sustainable development across the region.
The following day, CTI-CFF participated in a panel discussion titled " Bridging the gap: Regional platforms/ partnerships to strengthen capacity across the Coral Triangle”, a collaboration between CTI-CFF, Coral Triangle Center (CTC), IUCN, GIZ SOMACORE Project and WWF Coral Triangle Program. Mr. Christovel R.S. Rotinsulu representing CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat opened the discussion speaking about working in partnership to protect and sustain the Coral Triangle region. The discussion continued with a presentation by Ms. Rili Djohani of CTC about regional strategies for building capacity in marine conservation in the Coral Triangle.
The last panel was Mr. Olivier Chassot, IUCN Senior Project Coordinator presenting about the IUCN Green List Standard for MPAs for Strengthening MPA management Effectiveness in the Coral Triangle and Conservation Financing. For closing, Ms. Marie Fischborn, Senior Manager, Knowledge Management and Coordinator, IUCN Panorama, presented about knowledge sharing platforms to support the management of the resources of the Coral Triangle.
