Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF)’s 20th Senior Officials’ Meeting Brings Strengthened Regional Cooperation and Strategic Outcomes

Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF)'s 20th Senior Officials' MeetingBrings Strengthened Regional Cooperation and Strategic Outcomes

Bali, Indonesia - The 20^th Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM-20) of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) held in Bali, Indonesia, marks a step further in regional collaboration for marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and climate resilience. SOM-20, the highest-level meeting of the year, brought together senior officials from all six CTI member countries - Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste - to review progress, endorse workplans, and guide regional implementation. The meeting was organised by the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat in collaboration with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) as representing National Coordinating Committee (NCC) Indonesia.

SOM-20, on 10-11 December 2025, builds on discussions from the Pre-Senior Officials Meeting (Pre-SOM) held on 8-9 December - where senior officials and technical working groups reviewed partner engagement, technical reports, and governance frameworks, providing critical input and technical review ahead of SOM-20. These preparatory meetings, workshops, and consultations were held across the CT6 countries throughout the year, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive review of regional activities.

SOM-20 is a platform for senior officials to review progress across key technical and governance areas. Discussions cover workplans for the Seascape, Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM), Marine Protected Area (MPA), Climate Change Adaptation (CCA), and Threatened Species Working Groups, as well as cross-cutting initiatives, and financial and monitoring frameworks.

Mr. A. Koswara, Director General of Ocean Management MMAF as Chair of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) emphasised the importance of this collaborative approach:

"SOM-20 reflects our continued commitment to a collaborative, science-based approach for sustainable fisheries, resilient ecosystems, food security and strengthened livelihoods across the Coral Triangle. The active engagement of all six member countries ensures that our shared goals are effectively translated into action."

The meeting also features sessions on cross-cutting initiatives such as the Women Leaders Forum, University Partnerships, the Regional Business Forum, Financial Resources Working Group (FRWG), Monitoring and Evaluation Working Group (MEWG), Internal Resource Committee (IRC), and presentations by CTI partners showcasing collaborative efforts across the region.

Key outcomes of SOM-20 will cover:

a. Formal acknowledgement of The Chair's Report of the 20^thSenior Officials' Meeting, reaffirming collective progress and shared priorities for the Coral Triangle region.

b. Presentation and acknowledgement of all six CTI CFF Member Countries on their 2025 Country Reports, outlining national achievements, challenges, and future commitments in marine conservation and sustainable fisheries.

c. Endorsement of Governance Working Groups-MEWG, FRWG, and the IRC-on their reports and recommendations endorsed, strengthening transparency, financial management, and institutional accountability across CTI-CFF processes.

d. Endorsement of Technical Working Groups for their 2026 workplans and budgets, supporting coordinated regional action on seascapes, ecosystem-based fisheries management, marine protected areas, climate change adaptation, and threatened species.

e. Acknowledgement of the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat Executive Director's Report, highlighting key accomplishments of the Regional Secretariat and priority areas for the coming year.

f. Acknowledgement of CTI Partners' presentations and recommendations, reinforcing the importance of multi-sector collaboration among governments, NGOs, academia, and development partners.

g. Review and endorsement of the SOM-20 Chair's Summary of SOM-20 by all six member countries, capturing the meeting's strategic decisions and guiding regional implementation for 2026 and beyond.

Commenting on the significance of these engagements, Datuk Dr. Ching Thoo a/l Kim, Vice Chair, CSO Malaysia, noted:

"Our deliberations at SOM-20 demonstrate the value of coordinated regional leadership. By sharing technical insights and best practices, we ensure that the Coral Triangle's resources are managed sustainably for current and future generations."

The meeting concluded with the Chair's Summary, endorsed by all six CTI CFF member countries, capturing strategic decisions, workplans, and recommendations for ministerial consideration. These outcomes are expected to guide regional initiatives in 2026 and beyond, reinforcing the Coral Triangle's global significance as a centre of marine biodiversity and sustainable development.

Hendra Yusran Siry, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) for Ecology and Marine Resources as Head of Indonesia's Delegation, highlighted the importance of shared commitment in protecting the Coral Triangle: "Indonesia ensures that every decision at SOM-20 supports our efforts to strengthen marine ecosystem health and improve fisheries management at both national and regional levels. With strong cooperation among member countries, we can accelerate conservation goals and secure the long-term sustainability of marine resources for coastal communities.

"Reflecting on both the pre-SOM and SOM-20, Dr. Frank Keith Griffin, Executive Director of the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat said:

"The Pre-Senior Officials Meeting provided a valuable platform to review progress and align priorities ahead of SOM-20. At SOM-20, senior officials engaged constructively on governance, technical, and cross-cutting initiatives, endorsing workplans and recommendations that set a strong foundation for implementation in the coming year."

The CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat together with NCC Indonesia through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), remains committed to supporting member countries in turning these decisions into tangible actions. These efforts will further accelerate sustainable development and resilience across the Coral Triangle, ensuring that its unique marine and coastal resources continue to benefit current and future generations.

Note to media: Quotes included in this release are attributable to the individuals named and should not be attributed to the media contact listed below. For interview requests or further comment, please coordinate with the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat.

About the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI- CFF)

The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) is a multilateral partnership of six countries-Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste-working together to protect the Coral Triangle, the global epicenter of marine biodiversity. Often called the "Amazon of the Seas," the Coral Triangle is home to 76% of the world's known coral species (over 600 species of reef-building corals) and 37% of the world's reef fish species, supporting the livelihoods and food security of more than 130 million people.

Through its Regional Plan of Action (RPOA 2.0), CTI-CFF drives regional collaboration to conserve coral reefs, expand marine protected areas, ensure sustainable fisheries, and build resilience to climate change. The CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, based in Manado, Indonesia, coordinates this collective effort-bringing together governments, partners, and communities to advance a healthy, resilient, and inclusive blue economy across the Coral Triangle.

For more inquiries & information, contact:

Fritzgerald Wenur, Marketing & Information Officer, CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat

E: [email protected] // www.coraltriangleinitiative.org

Kimberly Christine Chung, Communication & Information Manager, CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat

E: [email protected] // www.coraltriangleinitiative.org