The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) member countries describe “modest indications” of positive changes in ecological and social conditions in CTI sites, according to the findings of a study conducted by researchers from the University of Washington.
In addition, Indonesia, the Philippines and Timor-Leste have taken steps towards ratification of the Agreement for the establishment of the permanent CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat.
31 March 2014: The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) member countries describe “modest indications” of positive changes in ecological and social conditions in CTI sites, according to the findings of a study conducted by researchers from the University of Washington. In addition, Indonesia, the Philippines and Timor-Leste have taken steps towards ratification of the Agreement for the establishment of the permanent CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat.
The University of Washington study analyzes stakeholder perceptions on the impacts of efforts to address coral reef, fisheries and climate issues and on the effectiveness of the CTI-CFF as a multilateral organization. The findings are shared in ‘Final Report: Lessons from the US CTI Support Program.’
Marine protected areas (MPAs) made the most progress, according to the study, which states that 85 percent of national respondents report improvements in MPA enforcement. Respondents in CTI sites describe significant improvements in coral health, fish abundance and mangrove health and a decline in destructive and illegal fishing.
The study also finds: increased awareness on the ecosystem approaches to fisheries management (EAFM) concept; and the creation of regional and national learning networks, which include women and aim to build local capacity.
The report recommends implementing policies on regional problems, including climate change and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, to “cement and validate the creation of the CTI-CFF and its regional approach to ocean governance.” It supports the establishment of a Regional Secretariat.
With regard to the Agreement for the establishment of the permanent CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, Indonesia’s President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, on 11 March 2014, made Indonesia the first country to ratify the Agreement.
Members of the Philippines National CTI Coordinating Committee (NCC) pledged to continue their efforts to support ratification during a meeting with the CTI-CFF Interim Regional Secretariat (IRS) in Manila, the Philippines. Philippine Environment Secretary Ramon Paje signed the Agreement on 4 March 2014. Under Philippine law, the President must ratify the Agreement.
An Indonesian delegation from the IRS, Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs (MMAF) Fisheries Human Resources Development Agency and the Coral Triangle Center conducted capacity building and training in Timor-Leste on 19 March 2014, with the aim of accelerating ratification. Timor-Leste’s NCC is now translating the Agreement from English to Portuguese, with support from Conservation International (CI). The Timor-Leste Council of Ministers, whose approval is required for ratification, is then expected to consider the document.
The Agreement will enter into force when at least four of the six CTI countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste) ratify it. [CTI Press Release on Ratification] [CTI Press Release on Study]