Celebrating 15 Years of Coral Triangle: A Milestone Event

Celebrating 15 Years of Coral Triangle: A Milestone Event

The pinnacle of the Coral Triangle Day 2024 celebration, which commenced on May 26, 2024, in Manado, was marked with a grand event held at the CTI Center on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. This celebration was a culmination of collaboration between the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia represented by the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, along with the Government of North Sulawesi Province.

Guests arriving at 8:30 in the morning, greeted by the melodious sounds of kulintang and a medley of local, national, and international songs. Dr. Hendra Yusran Siry, Acting Adviser to Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries for Economics, Socio, and Cultural Affairs, and Mr.  Fransiscus Manumpil, Assistant III Secretary of North Sulawesi Provincial Government, were welcomed with the traditional Kabasaran dance, signifying honor and respect for the guests.

The event commenced with the national anthem "Indonesia Raya" followed by welcoming remarks delivered by the Governor of North Sulawesi, read by the Assistant III of the Provincial Government of North Sulawesi. In his address, he emphasized the shared responsibility in safeguarding the vital ecosystem of the Coral Triangle, highlighting the interconnectedness of economic growth and environmental conservation.

This was followed by remarks from Dr. Frank Keith Griffin Executive Director of CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, reflecting on the 15th Anniversary journey. A short movie showcased the 15-year journey of CTI-CFF, celebrating achievements while acknowledging the challenges ahead. The Executive Director emphasized the need to redouble efforts and diversify partnerships to address ongoing and future challenges. A significant moment was the signing of an MoU between CTI-CFF and GIZ represented by Mr. Jan Henning Stephen, Regional Program Director of GIZ in Bangkok. The signing event was witnessed by provincial and national government representatives, symbolizing a commitment to enhanced collaboration.

A keynote speech by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia, delivered by Dr. Hendra Yusran Siry, expressed the full support from the Indonesian Government for the collaborative initiatives of CTI-CFF member states. Such collaboration is crucial for the protection of resources in the world's richest marine area, the Coral Triangle. Close cooperation will allow sharing of knowledge, technology, and resources to tackle the challenges of marine conservation together. For this purpose, the Government of Indonesia will host the International Conference on Sustainable Coral Reefs 2024, from December 13-15, 2024, in Manado, Indonesia.

Following the speech, guests were invited to visit the Bazaar and Exhibition showcasing various initiatives and projects, as well as photographs from the previous competition.

The program continued with the announcement and awarding of winners in various competitions, including underwater photography, coloring, drawing, and poster competitions for students of different age groups. Additionally, a singing competition brought lively entertainment to the stage, featuring the 1st and 2nd Winner of the #ILoveCoralTriangle Singing Competition.

The Coral Triangle Day 15th Anniversary Celebration was not only a moment to celebrate past achievements but also a time to reaffirm commitments towards marine conservation and sustainable development. As we reflect on the journey so far, it's clear that challenges remain, but with renewed dedication and expanded partnerships, we can address them effectively. Events like these serve as reminders of the importance of collective action in protecting our oceans and marine biodiversity.