Coral Reef Management: Analysis of the Management of the Coral Triangle Initiative within the Coral Triangle Region

Abstract

The Coral Triangle (CT) Region has the highest concentration of marine biodiversity. Anthropogenic stresses have been threatening the status of all coral reef systems worldwide. Reefs are in rapid decline, with marine ecosystem degradation and it is important that initiatives like the Coral Triangle Initiative are in place to protect these important habitats. This paper analyzed the management of the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) within the countries of the Coral Triangle. This study aimed to specifically analyze the management of the Coral Triangle Initiative within the countries of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papa New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste. Methods used in this paper included qualitative document and thematic analysis. Coral reef management was explored with a literature review and was used to create a thematic framework to compare the action plans of the CTI to. Prevalent themes found in marine conservation and coral reef management include marine protected areas, marine threatened species status and marine resource extraction. These themes can directly translate to conservation efforts. These efforts and results depend heavily on the dynamics of the conservation strategy. Looking at the structure of the CTI action plans, these themes were directly encompassed in their goals and throughout the years, have seen many successes within the marine realm. However, with their efforts, there were challenges these plans faced. Based on the CTI document analysis of the Regional Plan of Action, National Plans of Action and Senior Officials’ Meetings, recommendations for the CTI were made based off of the challenges encountered. This consisted of more development of modelling and marketing about sustainable marine economy, finding more sources of alternative funding, creating positions for locals as CT community liaisons, including more initiatives on marine waste management and increasing and continuing to support women in conservation efforts in this line of work. The CTI has many strengths with reef values that they uphold but struggle financially and with stakeholder participation. The CTI has the ability to become the leading organization in food security in the marine realm and marine resources management but needs continued support.