CTI-CFF Ministers Confront Climate, Fisheries, and Pollution Challenges at 9th Ministerial Meeting in Dili

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"Ministers and senior representatives from across the Coral Triangle have united in Dili, Timor-Leste, for a pivotal moment in marine conservation and sustainable resource management. The 9th Ministerial Meeting of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) addressed urgent regional challenges such as IUU fishing, climate change, and plastic pollution, while reaffirming a shared commitment to the Regional Plan of Action 2.0.

Through cross-border collaboration and alignment with global frameworks like the SDGs, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and Paris Agreement, the Coral Triangle countries continue to set a powerful example of regional leadership in protecting our oceans, livelihoods, and climate resilience. Highlights included the endorsement of a Joint Ministerial Statement and the election of Indonesia and Malaysia as the new CTI-CFF Chair and Vice-Chair, paving the way for the next phase of strategic action.

With steadfast support from partners, this meeting underscores the collective determination to secure a sustainable future for the Coral Triangle's marine and coastal ecosystems. Together, we are stronger in safeguarding the natural wealth that binds and sustains us all."



Ministers and senior representatives from the six member countries of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) convened in Dili, Timor-Leste, for the 9th Ministerial Meeting (MM-9) to advance the sustainable management of marine, coastal, and small islands resources.
Hosted by Timor-Leste, the meeting addressed pressing regional challenges including illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, climate change, and plastic pollution.

The meeting was officially opened by the Honorable Marcos Da Cruz, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry of Timor-Leste, who emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration and commitment to safeguarding the region's natural wealth.
"As ministers, we are not only stewards of our nations today but also managers of their futures. Our role is vital—not just to secure food and livelihoods for our people now but also to ensure the sustainability of these resources for generations to come. We bear the responsibility of safeguarding our nations' natural wealth while fulfilling global commitments to protect the planet," said Minister Da Cruz in his opening remarks.

“We face profound challenges, but with unified action and innovative solutions, the Coral Triangle can remain a beacon of biodiversity, sustainability, and hope,” concluded Minister Da Cruz.
The MM-9 reaffirmed the collective commitment of CTI-CFF member countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste—to the Regional Plan of Action 2.0 (RPOA 2.0). Aligning this plan with global frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Paris Agreement, member countries pledged to scale up marine conservation efforts, strengthen sustainable fisheries management, enhance climate resilience and mitigation strategies, as well as address the pervasive issue of plastic pollution through coordinated action.

The Ministers discussion emphasized the pressing need to address the existential threats confronting the Coral Triangle region, underscoring the grave impact of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, stating that it poses a significant risk to the sustainability of fisheries and global food security.

 

Climate change presents an equally dire challenge, with rising sea levels and increasingly extreme weather patterns threatening the livelihoods of the over 130 million people who call the Coral Triangle home. Additionally, the Ministers called for urgent and coordinated action to combat plastic pollution, which endangers both ecosystems and human health.
The ministers also commended progress in establishing the Coral Triangle Conservation Fund (CTCF), which will serve as a sustainable financing mechanism for implementing conservation initiatives across the region.

The meeting culminated in the formulation of a Joint Ministerial Statement, which legitimizes the achievements of the past two years and provides strategic guidance for the next two. This statement reflects the collective commitment of member countries to address regional challenges and aligns their efforts with global frameworks, ensuring a unified approach to marine conservation, sustainable fisheries management, and climate resilience in the Coral Triangle.

 
The document was signed by representatives of the CTI-CFF member countries, including Dr. Hendra Yusran Siry, Senior Adviser to the Minister on Ecology and Marine Resources Affairs, representing the Government of the Republic of Indonesia; YBhg. Datuk Nor Yahati binti Awang, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, representing the Government of Malaysia; Ms. Kumaras Kay Kalim, Director of Sustainable Environment Programs at the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority, representing the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea; Atty. Jonas R. Leones, Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, representing the Government of the Republic of the Philippines; Mr. Karl Ogu Kuper, Deputy Secretary Corporate of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology, representing the Government of Solomon Islands; and Mr. Celestino Da Cunha Barreto, Director General of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Resources Management, representing the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

The meeting also recognized and appreciated the leadership of Timor-Leste as the Chair of CTI-CFF from 2023 to 2024, highlighting their dedication and significant contributions to advancing the goals of the initiative.

 

Their efforts in fostering collaboration among member countries and partners were instrumental in driving forward the shared vision of marine and coastal resource conservation in the region.
Further on, it marked the election of Indonesia and Malaysia as the new Chair and Vice-Chair of the CTI-CFF Council of Ministers and Senior Officials for 2024–2026. Members also praised the contributions of CTI-CFF’s partners, including conservation organizations and donor agencies, for their support in implementing regional and national action plans.

For more information on the outcomes of the MM-9 and CTI-CFF initiatives, visit www.coraltriangleinitiative.org.