Coral reef and coastal ecosystems are some of the most under threat on the planet. They are highly susceptible to damage caused by changes in the ocean’s acidity, temperature, and sea level, all of which are affected by climate change. Coral bleaching events are now increasing in both intensity and frequency causing huge concern. These unique ecosystems provide habitat for a huge range of species from corals, to fish, sharks, rays, turtles, and whales, not forgetting the crustaceans, sponges, seahorses, mangroves, urchins, nudibranchs and more! There is often a high level of endemic species found in these ecosystems, meaning they are found nowhere else on earth, which makes their protection all the more important!
The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) was created in 2007 and launched in 2009. The six-member nations; Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, came together to form this partnership “to protect and sustain this valuable resource“. The Coral Triangle encompasses some six million square kilometres, is home to 76% of the world’s coral species, supports the livelihoods of over 100 million people, and unfortunately is under threat due to destructive fishing methods and climate change. The Regional Action Plan, a 10-year plan, released in 2009, set out the guiding principles and goals for the initiative.
The action plan has five main goals;
Goal 1: Priority seascapes designated and effectively managed
Goal 2: Ecosystem approach to the management of fisheries (EAFM) and other marine resources fully applied
Goal 3: Marine protected areas (MPAs) established and effectively managed
Goal 4: Climate change adaptation measures achieved
Goal 5: Threatened species status improving
To help them achieve these goals they have the support of many partners, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which provides either financial or technical support to the member nations. Many of these partners have their own Coral Triangle projects working with different species, ecosystems, or communities. The ADB has helped with programs such as COREMAP = a community based coral reef rehabilitation and management system project in Indonesia which is encouraging locals to “protect, rehabilitate and manage” coral reefs and mangroves to ensure the livelihoods of the fishing communities that will be the hardest hit should resources continue to deteriorate.
Fauna NFT is excited to be partnering with the Asian Development Bank Coral Triangle Initiative (ADB CTI), the Indonesian Climate Change Trust Fund (ICCTF) and local partners to launch our first collection of NFTs. Stay tuned for further details.
To learn more about the ADB CTI please visit:
The Coral Triangle Initiative here
To view, the Regional Action Plan see here
The Asian Development Bank Coral Triangle Initiative here