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  • 13 Feb 2014

Beginning January 2014, the WWF Coral Triangle Program has a new leader. Jackie Thomas has taken the helm from Dr. Lida Pet-Soede, who has moved to a global role within the WWF network, focusing on ocean and coastal management to enhance food security and livelihoods, particularly in regions where it is most needed.

Jackie Thomas served as Deputy Leader of the WWF Coral Triangle Program for two years and has been part of the core team since 2008. She has led the program’s policy and advocacy strategy in relation to the CTI-CFF and will now guide the team in achieving current targets, planning WWF's engagement over the next three years, and building upon the work of previous years.

Under Dr. Lida Pet-Soede’s leadership, the Coral Triangle team accomplished significant achievements over six years, providing a strong foundation to scale up efforts aimed at reducing negative impacts on marine biodiversity and sustaining the livelihoods and food security of millions of people who rely on the Coral Triangle’s marine resources and ecosystem services.

Jackie and her team face a substantial task ahead, carrying out activities in sustainable fisheries, reducing the environmental footprint of key industries, tackling turtle and shark trade issues, policy and advocacy engagement, and maintaining partnerships with the six CTI-CFF member countries and development partners.

During this period, the team will also work with key stakeholders, including the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, to develop the next phase of their engagement in the Coral Triangle. This will build on existing platforms such as the Coral Triangle Regional Business Forum, the Climate Change Adaptation Marketplace, the Coral Triangle Communications Platform, and the Asia-Pacific Sustainable Seafood and Trade Network.

This phase will also provide opportunities for new ideas and innovations to facilitate the transformation of business and industry toward sustainable livelihoods and food security, healthy marine and ocean habitats, and continued ecosystem services.