8 January 2015: The World Bank has published a news feature detailing how its Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Program—Coral Triangle Initiative (COREMAP-CTI) is working to revive coral reefs and fisheries in Indonesia. The project aims to institutionalize a decentralized, integrated framework for the sustainable management of coral reef resources and associated ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as to improve community livelihoods and the local economy.

According to the Bank, COREMAP has established national and district marine conservation areas to support the revitalization of coral reefs and fisheries. It is also enabling sustainable marine management through zoning plans, integrated coastal management, sustainable fisheries management in selected areas and the pilot of a community rights-based approach. Through the project, communities have learned about how illegal fishing methods such as dynamite and cyanide fishing damage coral reefs and undermine fisheries-based livelihoods. Community members now say they no longer use these destructive practices.

The project is also helping communities identify and develop new ways to earn income outside of fisheries by providing training and revolving funds to support business diversification and to develop handicraft, tourism and other enterprises. According to one survey, community members who received revolving funds from the project experienced a 20% increase in their income on average.

COREMAP works in 358 coastal communities across Indonesia. During its third phase, which began in February 2014 and will continue through June 2019, the project will scale up its support for alternative livelihoods, including a focus on infrastructure and market access. COREMAP is part of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF). [World Bank Press Release] [COREMAP Website] [CTI-CFF Website]