the EAFM Technical Working Group and Seascapes Technical Working Group Online Meeting

The EAFM TWG and Seascapes TWG online meeting commenced with a warm welcome from the Chair of EAFM TWG. With a quorum reached (including representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines), the Chair of EAFM TWG and the representative from Seascapes TWG requested the Regional Secretariat (RS) to lead and facilitate the meeting.

Mr. Christovel Rotinsulu, Deputy Executive Director of Program Services (DED-PS) from the RS, delivered the opening remarks, setting a positive tone for the discussions.

Introduction

Participants were introduced, representing their respective countries:

Indonesia:

• Arinta DH
• Kelik Sunarko

Malaysia:

• Jessie Beliku
• Sylvia Michael

Papua New Guinea:

• Aisi Anas
• Rorel Dandava
• Rachel Rabi

Philippines:

• Ma. Bernadette Cristina Lintag
• Kim Cyrus Miranda

Regional Secretariat:

• Christovel R. S. Rotinsulu
• Hanung Cahyono
• Dewi Satriani
• Agostinho Irmawan
• Reita Kalalo
• Stephanie N. Mapaliey
• Cristel Amarillo
• Michael Tampongangoy
• Dave Senewe

The introduction session concluded with a group photo to commemorate the meeting.

Agenda Adoption

The RS presented the proposed meeting agenda, which was adopted without any specific comments.

EAFM and Seascapes TWG Focal Points

The RS presented the list of focal points for both EAFM and Seascapes TWGs. No changes were requested by Indonesia, Malaysia, or Papua New Guinea. The Philippines requested the removal of support staff from their list.

Regional Secretariat Updates

Introduction to New Members: Four new members were introduced:

• Mr. Hanung Cahyono (Indonesia) – Deputy Executive Director of Corporate Services (DED-CS).
• Mr. Agostinho Irmawan (Timor Leste) – Monitoring and Evaluation Manager (MEM).
• Mr. Dave Senewe (Indonesia) – Finance Assistant Manager (FAM).
• Ms. Christel Amarillo (Philippines) – Data Compilation and Documentation Officer (DCDO).

Re-Introduction of RPOA 2.0: The RS re-presented the RPOA 2.0, highlighting updates from 2023 country reports. Countries appreciated the alignment efforts and requested further sharing of the presentation materials. The Philippines indicated they would provide more comprehensive data soon.

TWG Prioritization Workshop with CTCF

Members were reminded of the upcoming TWG Prioritization Workshop with CTCF, scheduled for March 7, 2024, at 9 am (Manado time, GMT +8). This workshop aims to align TWG priorities with the Coral Triangle Conservation Fund's strategic plan.

SOM 18 Decisions

The RS presented updates on SOM-18 decisions for both EAFM and Seascapes TWGs. There were no specific comments from the participating countries.

Workplan and Budget for 2024

The RS presented the workplan and budget for 2024, including plans for a joint event combining the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascapes Regional Exchange (SSS REX) and Bismarck Solomon Sea Regional Exchange (BSS REX). Tentatively scheduled for July or early August in Malaysia or the Philippines, the event will feature workshops, training sessions, and TWG meetings.

Malaysia suggested discussing the event further with their NCC and proposed changing the venue from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur. The Philippines expressed a preference for hosting the event outside their country, having hosted previous events. The RS acknowledged these inputs and will continue discussions with SuFiA TS and other stakeholders to finalize the event details.

Proposed Physical Event 2024

Following discussions, it was tentatively agreed that the joint EAFM and Seascapes TWGs event would be held in Malaysia around July or mid-August 2024. The RS will provide updates and a detailed agenda by May 2024, coordinating with the Malaysia NCC and SuFiA TS for logistical and funding arrangements.

Other Matters

Mr. Dave Senewe, the new Finance Assistant Manager (FAM), introduced himself. Malaysia sought clarification on their exclusion from the GEF-8 proposal update email communication, which the RS promptly addressed. The urgency of obtaining signatures from operational focal points for the GEF-8 proposal was highlighted, with the RS planning to submit the required documents by the end of March.

Closing Remarks

The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the Chairs of EAFM TWG and Seascapes TWG, as well as the Regional Secretariat, expressing gratitude for the productive discussions and collaborative spirit.