Regional Leaders Deepen Cooperation on Blue Economy at North Sulawesi Diplomatic Visit
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Regional Leaders Deepen Cooperation on Blue Economy at North Sulawesi Diplomatic Visit
Manado, Indonesia – A diplomatic visit held on 23 and 24 April 2026 in Manado successfully brought together Ambassadors from the five Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) Member Countries (CT6), alongside Ambassadors from partner countries that have long supported the initiative.
The visit, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, aimed to strengthen regional cooperation and reaffirmed a shared commitment to advancing sustainable marine and fisheries governance, in line with the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) 2.0 of CTI-CFF.
Throughout the programme, participants engaged in a series of site visits and discussions that showcased Indonesia’s efforts in promoting a sustainable Blue Economy. Visits to the Samudera Fishing Port in Bitung and PT Benteng Laut Sejahtera highlighted opportunities for sustainable fisheries development and private sector engagement, while activities in Lembeh Island demonstrated community-led coral reef conservation, including the protection of marine biodiversity.
A key highlight of the visit was the session titled “Untapping the Potentials for Cooperation on Blue Economy”, held at the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat in Manado. The session featured exchanges among Ambassadors, senior government officials, and CTI-CFF leadership, focusing on strengthening partnerships, mobilising support, and advancing priority actions under RPOA 2.0.
The Executive Director of CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, Dr. Frank Keith Griffin, underscored the importance of strengthened regional collaboration, stating, “This visit reflects the growing commitment and engagement among Member Countries and partners to accelerate the implementation of RPOA 2.0. By working together, we can unlock the full potential of the Blue Economy while ensuring the sustainability of our marine resources for future generations.”
Director General for Asia Pacific and African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Ambassador Santo Darmosumarto, emphasised the importance of global partnerships in optimising Indonesia’s blue economy potential.
“Through this activity, we aim to open up more concrete avenues for cooperation with international partners. The role of CTI-CFF is also strategic in bridging regional collaboration and strengthening the sustainable management of marine resources,” said Ambassador Santo, accompanied by the Director for Intra-Regional and Inter-Regional Cooperation, Febrian Irawati Mamesah.
Senior Adviser to the Minister on Ecology and Marine Resources, Hendra Yusran Siry spoke on behalf of the Director General of Ocean Management, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. A. Koswara, also CSO Chair of CTI-CFF, highlighted the strategic direction of the initiative, noting, “RPOA 2.0 provides a clear roadmap for collective action. Strengthening marine spatial planning, protecting critical habitats, and promoting sustainable fisheries are central to ensuring long-term resilience and prosperity for communities across the Coral Triangle.”
Governor of North Sulawesi, H.E. Mr. Yulius Selvanus Komaling, highlighted the province’s strategic role as Indonesia’s maritime gateway to the Asia-Pacific and its contribution to advancing the Coral Triangle Initiative, including hosting the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat. He emphasised the importance of strengthening collaboration and partnerships to further develop the Blue Economy, including through concrete actions in sustainable fisheries and ecotourism.
Participants also visited the mangrove conservation area in Budo Village, North Minahasa Regency, where ecosystem-based approaches to coastal management and climate resilience were showcased. These initiatives reflect the core principles of RPOA 2.0, particularly in promoting sustainable livelihoods, protecting critical marine habitats, and enhancing resilience to climate change.
The diplomatic visit underscored the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and regional solidarity in addressing emerging challenges in the marine and coastal sector, while accelerating the implementation of RPOA 2.0 across the Coral Triangle region.
The momentum generated through this visit will further strengthen partnerships, inspire concrete collaborative actions, and contribute to a more sustainable and a resilient Blue Economy. The CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat remains steadfast in its commitment to deepening regional collaboration and cooperation under the RPOA 2.0, fostering strategic partnerships, and promoting resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Blue Economy growth across the Coral Triangle.