Conservation International - Program in Focus: The Coral Triangle Initiative

PROTECTING CORAL REEFS The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTICFF) began in 2009 when six nations— Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, and TimorLeste—partnered to address urgent threats facing the coastal and marine resources of one of the most biologically diverse and ecologically rich regions on Earth.

More than 390 million people live in the Coral Triangle region. One-third of that population relies directly on marine and coastal resources for food and livelihoods.

Unfortunately, fish stocks are shrinking due to destructive fishing, pollution and climate change.

Program in Focus

THE CORAL TRIANGLE INITIATIVE

© CI/PHOTO BY PANJI LAKSMANA

The Coral Triangle is at the center of marine biodiversity on Earth. Covering just 1.6% of the world’s ocean floor, it is home to 76% of the world’s coral reef species and sustains migratory fish in the Pacific Ocean.

OUR WORK AND IMPACT Conservation International (CI) is a founding partner of the CTI-CFF and has invested more than $12 million to support programs and projects. CI focuses on increasing the ability of people to sustainably manage marine ecosystems for their improved well-being.

CI maintains strong partner relationships with governments, communities and other stakeholders in the Coral Triangle region to help achieve sustainable change. More than 25 staff members, representing nine nationalities and located in eight countries, work together to further the goals of the CTI and implement projects in each of the member countries.

Philippines CI provided the funding and guidance to support the growth of ecotourism companies, such as this mangrove paddle-boat tour.

Malaysia Maintaining food security is essential to maintaining healthy, happy families.

Papua New Guinea Community-based conservation programs educate and train youths in science and conservation, creating a new generation of ocean stewards.

Indonesia The advancement of seaweed aquaculture projects supports healthy marine ecosystems, generates income and reduces the demand on fisheries.

Solomon Islands Local communities work to conserve culturally and ecologically important species.

Timor-Leste Local fishermen rely on near-shore coastal ecosystems for food to feed their families.

WHERE WE WORK

REGIONAL OFFICE

NATIONAL OFFICE

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE: © BENJAMIN DRUMMOND; © CI/PHOTO BY LYNN TANG; © CI/PHOTO BY NOEL WANGUNU; © ROBIN MOORE; © WORLD WILDLIFE FUND, INC. / MATTHEW ABBOTT; © CI/PHOTO BY STERLING ZUMBRUNN

Implementing Seascapes

Ensuring Food Security

In the Coral Triangle, CI is building coalitions with governments, corporations and civil society to improve the governance of essential marine resources by creating seascapes. Covering vast ocean areas with coordinated management networks, seascapes enable comprehensive marine resource management using an ecosystembased management approach and a variety of conservation tools.

Coastal communities in the Coral Triangle depend on fisheries for their primary source of food. For more than 130 million people, maintaining healthy marine ecosystems is essential to their well-being and the prosperity of future generations. CI works with local partners in coastal communities across the region to ensure they can catch enough fish for dinner tonight, tomorrow and into the future.

Building Local Capacity CI is assisting governments and local communities to build the knowledge, skills and experience to establish sustainable economic and environmental foundations. Fortifying healthy marine ecosystems equips the countries of the Coral Triangle to face a changing ocean system by strengthening food security and livelihoods.

© CI/PHOTO BY PANJI LAKSMANA

Learn more at www.conservation.org/cti Contact: Niquole Esters | nesters@conservation.org