Ross Flores Del Rosario Invited to Cover Pivotal Marine Conservation Event in Timor-Leste: CTI-CFF’s SOM-19 and MM-9

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Ross Flores Del Rosario, founder of the acclaimed Wazzup Pilipinas, has been formally invited to attend and cover one of the most significant gatherings for marine conservation and sustainable resource management: the 19th Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM-19) and the 9th Ministerial Meeting (MM-9) of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF). The prestigious event will take place from December 2-6, 2024, in Dili, Timor-Leste, a vibrant host nation that currently chairs CTI-CFF.

This gathering, which convenes senior officials, ministers, and strategic partners from six member countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste—marks a pivotal moment in collaborative efforts to address the most pressing challenges facing the Coral Triangle.

A Landmark for Marine Biodiversity and Regional Cooperation

The Coral Triangle is often referred to as the “Amazon of the Seas,” encompassing some of the richest marine biodiversity on the planet. Stretching across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, it provides critical ecosystem services that sustain over 120 million people. The upcoming meetings aim to strengthen regional collaboration to safeguard this natural treasure.

The events will commence with the Pre-Senior Officials’ Meeting (Pre-SOM) on December 2-3, followed by the Annual SOM on December 4-5, and will culminate in the Ministerial Meeting on December 6. These sessions will review the Coral Triangle’s progress in achieving global conservation goals, including the 30x30 conservation target to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.

Key Issues on the Agenda

Illegal Fishing and Ocean Pollution
Delegates will strategize on combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and addressing the increasing threat of plastic pollution in marine environments.


Climate Adaptation and Ecosystem Resilience

Discussions will highlight measures to fortify ecosystems against climate change impacts, ensuring their continued support for livelihoods and global food security.


Gender Inclusion in Conservation

A significant emphasis will be placed on integrating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) into marine conservation strategies, recognizing the importance of inclusive approaches for sustainable development.


Global and Regional Conservation Goals

Member countries will evaluate progress and set new milestones aligned with the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) 2.0, the Coral Triangle’s roadmap for sustainable resource management.

Ross Flores Del Rosario: Championing Environmental Journalism

As a respected media figure and environmental advocate, Ross Del Rosario has consistently leveraged his platform to highlight vital issues affecting the Philippines and beyond. His coverage of the CTI-CFF event will offer readers an in-depth view of the collaborative efforts driving conservation in the Coral Triangle.

In preparation for the event, Del Rosario expressed his gratitude for the invitation:

"It is an honor to be part of this critical initiative. The Coral Triangle is not just a regional treasure—it’s a global one. This event is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect our oceans for future generations."

Wazzup Pilipinas’ coverage will include real-time updates, exclusive interviews with key stakeholders such as Dr. Frank Keith Griffin, Executive Director of CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, and insights into groundbreaking policies that emerge from the meetings.

Collaborative Partnerships for Conservation

The event will also bring together strategic partners, including USAID, IUCN, Coral Triangle Center (CTC), WWF Coral Triangle Program, and many others, highlighting the importance of global alliances in advancing marine sustainability.

Why This Matters

The CTI-CFF meetings are not just another conference; they are a beacon of hope for sustainable development and environmental resilience. The outcomes will influence policies that impact millions of people relying on marine resources for their livelihoods, contributing to global efforts against climate change and biodiversity loss.

Follow the Story

Stay tuned to Wazzup Pilipinas for exclusive coverage, as Ross Del Rosario takes you to the heart of the action in Dili, Timor-Leste, bringing stories of hope, collaboration, and actionable solutions from the Coral Triangle Initiative.

For more information about the CTI-CFF, visit www.coraltriangleinitiative.org.

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