Oceans experts from around the world convened in Manado, Indonesia, from 11-15 May 2009, for the World Ocean Conference (WOC2009) and Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) Summit. The event, hosted by the Government of Indonesia, aimed to increase cooperation between countries on managing marine resources in the context of climate change as well as to increase understanding of the role of oceans in regulating global climate.
WOC2009 brought together ministers, high-level government officials and the Heads of several multilateral and non-governmental organizations. Participants engaged in discussions on: ocean observations and analysis; the impacts of climate change on coastal communities; preparedness and improving resilience of coastal communities to adapt to climate change; climate change mitigation; adaptation measures and security concerns; financing adaptation; and the future of oceans and the climate change agenda. Following closed negotiations held throughout the week, delegates adopted the Manado Ocean Declaration by acclamation. On the event’s last day, the six countries participating in the CTI, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands and East Timor, met to confirm their commitment to the Initiative through a Leaders’ Declaration and adopted the CTI Action Plan. [IISD RS Coverage] [Conference website]