The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) held a regional inception workshop for the Coastal and Marine Resources Management in the Coral Triangle – Southeast Asia (CTI Southeast Asia) Project in Bandung, Indonesia, on October 18–19, 2012. CTI-CFF Executive Chair Dr. Suseno Sukoyono emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration and partnerships to ensure effective project implementation at the ground level. He encouraged participants to learn from existing initiatives in the region, cooperate closely, and share information.

WWF has released a series of videos highlighting the plight of tuna fishing in the Coral Triangle. The latest video, released on October 24, 2012, features handline tuna fishers and the challenges they face in feeding their families amid dwindling fish stocks and the growing presence of large commercial fishing operations. It underscores the importance of well-managed fisheries resources as a foundation for food security in the region.

CTI-CFF Interim Regional Secretariat Coordinator Dr. Darmawan talks to WWF about what happens inside this multi-country, multi-stakeholder initiative.

Excerpts from the interview

Q: What is the role of the CTI-CFF Interim Secretariat in the implementation of the CTI-CFF?

The CTI-CFF Coordination Mechanisms and Financial Working Groups will have a meeting in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Please contact Lydia Napitupulu lydia.napitupulu@gmail.com for more details.

Mr. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, one of the world’s leading experts in Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), challenged the Coral Triangle countries to pursue PES initiatives—particularly for coastal areas—during the session “Conversation in Conservation: PES and New Frontiers in Sustainable Financing” held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria on September 18, 2012.