Advancing Regional Solutions for Sustainable Ocean Finance

Honiara, Solomon Islands, 21-23 July 2026 – The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) Regional Secretariat brought together representatives from the six CTI-CFF Member Countries, strategic partners, technical experts, financial institutions, private sector stakeholders and development partners through the Regional Workshop on Operationalising Sustainable Financing, held from 21–22 July 2026, followed by the Financial Resources Working Group (FRWG) Meeting on 23 July 2026, to advance regional solutions for sustainable ocean finance to support the implementation of the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) 2.0.

As the coordinating body of the regional partnership, the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat plays a central role in strengthening collaboration among Member Countries and partners to support the implementation of regional priorities. As the Coral Triangle faces increasing demands to conserve marine biodiversity while sustaining the livelihoods of millions who depend on its coastal and marine resources, securing sustainable and long-term financing has become increasingly important to achieving the ambitions of RPOA 2.0. Building on regional feasibility studies and ongoing dialogue on innovative financing, the workshop provided an opportunity to translate financing concepts into practical regional approaches that support conservation and sustainable development priorities across Member Countries.

"The successful implementation of RPOA 2.0 depends not only on strong partnerships and sound policies, but also on sustainable and innovative financing that enables long-term action. Through this Regional Workshop on Operationalising Sustainable Financing and the Financial Resources Working Group, CTI-CFF continues to strengthen regional cooperation and provide a platform for Member Countries and partners to develop practical financing solutions that support marine conservation, sustainable fisheries and resilient coastal communities across the Coral Triangle," said Dr. Frank Keith Griffin, Executive Director of the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat.

Guided by priorities identified in the 2026 Financial Resources Working Group Work Plan, discussions focused on advancing innovative financing mechanisms, strengthening the regional financing architecture, supporting the operationalisation of the Coral Triangle Conservation Fund (CTCF) and the Regional Outcome-Based Finance, and integrating sustainable financing into Member Countries' National Plans of Action (NPOAs). The workshop also provided a platform for governments, development partners and financing experts to exchange knowledge, strengthen regional coordination and identify priority financing mechanisms for further development.

Building on completed regional feasibility studies, participants explored practical pathways for operationalising innovative financing mechanisms and advancing initiatives such as the Coral Triangle Conservation Fund and the Regional Outcome-Based Fund. These discussions contributed to the development of an initial Regional Outcome-Based Finance Identification Matrix, strengthened understanding of regional financing needs and opportunities, and supported Member Countries in integrating sustainable financing approaches into their National Plans of Action.

Held alongside the workshop, the Financial Resources Working Group Meeting reviewed progress under the 2026 Work Plan, shared updates on the Coral Triangle Conservation Fund and Regional Outcome-Based Fund, exchanged country and partner updates, and developed recommendations for submission to the 21st Senior Officials Meeting (SOM-21).

The Regional Workshop and Financial Resources Working Group Meeting reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening sustainable ocean finance and highlighted the collective commitment of CTI-CFF Member Countries to advancing the implementation of RPOA 2.0. As the coordinating body of the regional partnership, the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat will continue to facilitate collaboration, strengthen strategic partnerships, and support Member Countries in translating regional priorities into coordinated action in mobilising sustainable financing that underpins long-term conservation, sustainable management and resilience of the Coral Triangle's globally significant marine and coastal resources.

File attachment: [ENG] PRESS RELEASE - FRWG.pdf.