Inaugural Board Members of RCTF

Inaugural Board Members of RCTF

The inaugural meeting of the founding board of the CTI-CFF Regional Conservation Trust Fund (RCTF) took place virtually on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. The meeting marked a significant milestone in the establishment of the RCTF, which aims to support a sustainable, effective, and climate-resilient regional network of Marine Protected and Conserved Areas in the Coral Triangle, benefiting both nature and communities.

The meeting commenced with introductions of the board members, who bring diverse backgrounds and expertise to the table. Six prominent individuals who will play crucial roles in shaping the future of conservation efforts in the Coral Triangle, are sitting in the Board members:

• Dr. Mohd. Kushairi Bin Mohd. Rajuddin, serves as the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat Executive Director. With his extensive experience in regional conservation, he brings valuable insights and leadership to the board.

• Anne Desdoigts, is an Independent Senior Advisor from the Development Guarantee Group. Her expertise in development and conservation guarantees will contribute to the strategic planning and implementation of the RCTF.

• Rili Djohani, as the Executive Director of the Coral Triangle Center, Rili Djohani brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience in marine conservation. Her insights will be instrumental in achieving the RCTF's mission.

• Len Garces, serves as the VP for Technical Services at Pacific Ream Innovations Management and Exponents, Inc. His expertise in technical services and innovations will aid in implementing effective conservation strategies within the Coral Triangle.

• Salvatore Aricò, serves as the CEO of the International Science Council. His experience as United Nations’ expert will play a part in mobilizing scientific knowledge and significant funding for action in the areas of climate change and biodiversity.

• Michael Oto’ara Ha’apio PhD., serves as the Commonwealth National Climate Finance Advisor to the Government of the Solomon Islands. His 20 years of experience in climate change adaptation, financial management, community adaptation, national climate action planning and private sector investment, will contribute to the RCTF's efforts in building climate resilience within the Coral Triangle.

These individuals are passionate about conservation and committed to advancing the mission of the CTI-CFF. Following the introductions, the board members were briefed on the RCTF's mission and strategy, which is focused on three pillars: Protect, Restore, and Transform. This comprehensive approach aims to address the pressing challenges faced by the Coral Triangle in the implementation of the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) 2.0.

Furthermore, the board members discussed the progress that has been made thus far. One notable achievement is the ongoing recruitment process for the CEO position, with the shortlisting of candidates underway. Additionally, preparations for the soft launching of the RCTF on Coral Triangle Day, which falls on June 9, 2023, are in full swing. These initial steps signify the RCTF's commitment to becoming fully operational by the Q4 of 2023.

The inaugural meeting of the founding board of the CTI-CFF Regional Conservation Trust Fund highlighted the dedication and collective efforts of the board members towards the conservation of the Coral Triangle. The establishment of the RCTF was made possible by support from KfW/EU and USAID, in collaboration with WCS and CFA.