International Conference for Sustainable Coral Reefs

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The International Conference for Sustainable Coral Reefs—happened on Thursday, 28 November 2024, at 14:00 (GMT+7), on Lt. 20, Ex Gedung Kemenkomarvest, Jl. Thamrin-8, Jakarta.

This press briefing marked the announcement of a global conference celebrating National Archipelago Day 2024 and the 15th anniversary of the Coral Triangle Initiative Summit. With the theme “Sustaining Coral Reefs: Science, Conservation, Resilience, and Development,” the conference showcased groundbreaking presentations from global experts on topics like coral restoration techniques, coral reef-based drug discovery, and innovative technologies in monitoring ocean health.

The Coral Triangle is often dubbed the “Amazon of the Seas” for its unparalleled marine biodiversity, and Indonesia plays a critical role in this region. The conference reflected our shared commitment to conserving vital ecosystems, fostering sustainable use, and exploring opportunities through initiatives like climate finance and the blue economy.

Caption:

ICSCR and CTI-CFF.jpeg : The Government of Indonesia and the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat join hands to hold the International Conference on Sustainable Coral Reefs in commemoration of the Nusantara Day 2024 in Manado, North Sulawesi.

Prof. Indroyono_ED_DEDCS.jpeg : (right to left) Prof. Dr. Indroyono Soesilo, Dr. Frank Keith Griffin (Executive Director of CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat) and Hanung Cahyono (Deputy Executive Director for Corporate Services of CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat).

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF SUSTAINABLE CORAL REEFS Thursday, 28 November 2024, time. 14.00 (GMT+7), Lt.20, ex Gedung Kemenkomarvest, Jl. Thamrin-8, Jakarta.

When discussing the world’s largest terrestrial biodiversity, the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, Latin America, stands out, hosting 16,000 plant species, 1,300 bird species, and 430 mammal species. However, when it comes to marine biodiversity, the spotlight turns to the Coral Triangle, home to 75,000 square kilometers of coral reefs, over 500 coral species, and more than 3,000 fish species. The Coral Triangle spans six equatorial countries: Malaysia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Indonesia. It supports 170 million coastal residents and generates an estimated economic value of USD 2.5 billion annually. Of the 75,000 square kilometers of coral reefs, Indonesia alone accounts for 65,000 square kilometers.

Coral reefs, crucial for fish spawning, are under threat from climate change-induced ocean warming, which causes coral bleaching. Furthermore, destructive human activities, such as blast fishing and the use of poison to capture high-value reef fish like grouper, jeopardize reef health. However, coral reefs can be sustainably utilized for activities such as scuba diving tourism, pharmaceutical research, and fishing.

In May 2009, the leaders of Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, and the Philippines convened at the Coral Triangle Initiative Summit in Manado, North Sulawesi. They committed to rehabilitating, conserving, and sustainably utilizing the Coral Triangle’s marine resources. This collaborative effort led to the establishment of the Coral Triangle Initiative Regional Secretariat in Manado, Indonesia’s second international organization headquarters after ASEAN in Jakarta.

In celebration of National Archipelago Day 2024 and the 15th anniversary of the Coral Triangle Initiative Summit, the "International Conference for Sustainable Coral Reefs" will take place in Manado from December 13–15, 2024. With the theme “Sustaining Coral Reefs: Science, Conservation, Resilience, and Development,” the conference will feature 140 presentations and is expected to attract participants from 22 countries.

Key topics included:

“The Status of Global Coral Reefs” by ICRI-France

“Mollusks on Coral Reefs in North Sulawesi” by Sam Ratulangi University

“Coral Reef Restoration Techniques” by ZMT-Bremen, Germany

“Indonesia’s Marine Role in Addressing Global Climate Change” by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries

“Coral Reefs in Ternate’s Tourist Areas” by Khairun University, Ternate

“Using Machine Learning to Monitor Coral Bleaching and Ocean Heatwaves” by Sun Yat-sen University, China

“Coral Reefs as Potential Sources for New Drugs” by Hokkaido University, Japan

“Blue Economy in Raja Ampat National Park” by Charleston College, South Carolina, USA

Indonesian contributions included topics such as “Coral Bonds,” “Climate Finance,” “CTI Trust Fund,” “Debt Swap for Nature – Coral Reefs,” and the “Laut Sejahtera” program.

During the conference, the Ministry of National Development Planning (BAPPENAS) launched the publication “Indonesia’s Coral Reefs: Present and Future,” a comprehensive guide for coral conservation, rehabilitation, and sustainable use.

The conference were inaugurated by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, with remarks from the UN Ocean Ambassador and a keynote speech by the Minister of National Development Planning. On Sunday, December 15, 2024, participants and the public will join a coraltransplantation activity at Bunaken Marine Park, North Sulawesi, attended by the Indonesian Minister of Forestry.

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