The Internal Resource Committee (IRC) Meeting

The Internal Resource Committee (IRC) Meeting of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) convened virtually on September 13, 2023, utilizing the In-situ Virtual Meeting Participation (VMP) platform via ZOOM. Despite the absence of Mr. Celestino Da Chuna Barreto, the IRC and CTI-CFF's Committee of Senior Officials, the meeting was skilfully chaired by Mr. Hendra Yusran Siry from Indonesia.

The meeting was driven by two primary objectives. Firstly, it aimed to assess the actions taken by the Regional Secretariat (RS) in response to the decisions made during the 17th Senior Officials Meeting (SOM-17). This evaluation provided valuable insights into the progress made towards implementing critical resolutions for the conservation of the Coral Triangle.

Additionally, the committee meticulously reviewed several pivotal topics in preparation for the 18th Senior Officials Meeting (SOM-18). These discussions encompassed the 2022 Audit Report, offering a comprehensive financial overview, and the status of the 2023 Country Contributions, vital for the CTI-CFF's financial stability.

A thorough examination of utilization of the 2023 budget was conducted, ensuring its alignment with the CTI-CFF's strategic goals. This laid the groundwork for consideration of the proposed 2024 Regional Secretariat Budget, holding immense potential to drive the initiative's objectives. Forward-looking perspectives were also explored through the proposed Budget Forecast for 2025-2026, emphasizing prudent financial planning.

The meeting addressed critical updates on the PIO Grant and the Regional Conservation Trust Fund, integral tools in supporting conservation efforts within the Coral Triangle. These discussions underscored the collective commitment to safeguarding the region's invaluable marine ecosystems.

A noteworthy development was the reinstatement of the Marketing and Information Officer position to be approved in SOM-18, aimed at enhancing information dissemination within the CTI-CFF stakeholders. This move reflects the dedication to strengthening communication channels and fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared purposes of awareness, education, advocacy, and fundraising.