As a regional multilateral partnership uniting Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste, the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) recognizes that the sustainability of the Coral Triangle cannot be achieved without addressing the socioeconomic needs and resilience of the people who depend directly on its coastal and marine resources.

Through Objective B of the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) 2.0, CTI-CFF reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the resilience, well-being, and adaptive capacity of coastal communities across the region. Objective B ensures that conservation and sustainable resource management efforts are complemented by tangible improvements in human security, economic stability, social inclusion, and climate resilience.

Why Objective B Is Critical for the Coral Triangle

Over 120 million people rely on the Coral Triangle’s marine ecosystems for food, income, and protection from natural hazards. These communities are among the most vulnerable to:

  • climate change impacts
  • declining fish stocks
  • coastal habitat degradation
  • extreme weather events
  • market disruptions
  • poverty and limited livelihood options

Given the ecological and socioeconomic interdependence of the region, improving community resilience is essential to sustaining long-term conservation gains.

Objective B acknowledges that healthy ecosystems alone cannot ensure sustainable development—communities must also have the capacity, resources, and opportunities to adapt and thrive under changing conditions.

Strategic Focus of Objective B

Objective B is operationalized through two main targets that address livelihood resilience, socioeconomic well-being, gender inclusion, and climate adaptation.

Target B1 — Strengthened Resilience and Adaptive Capacity of Coastal Communities

This target aims to safeguard communities from environmental, economic, and climate-related shocks by enhancing their ability to adapt and recover. Key priorities include:

  • integrating climate change adaptation into local and national policies
  • promoting diversified and climate-resilient livelihoods
  • supporting community-based resource management systems
  • enhancing disaster preparedness and early warning mechanisms
  • strengthening social safety nets and vulnerability assessments
  • empowering Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs)

Through these actions, CTI-CFF supports community resilience as a cornerstone of sustainable development.

Target B2 — Improved Socioeconomic Well-Being and Gender-Inclusive Development

Target B2 promotes equitable and inclusive development within coastal communities by ensuring that economic benefits from marine and coastal resources are shared fairly and sustainably. Key interventions include:

  • promoting livelihood diversification and value chain development
  • supporting women’s participation and leadership in coastal resource management
  • reducing socioeconomic vulnerabilities that limit adaptive capacity
  • strengthening market access and economic opportunities
  • improving community access to finance and sustainable business models
  • ensuring social inclusion in policy implementation

Gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) are integrated throughout Target B2 to ensure that all groups benefit from the region’s blue economy.

How CTI-CFF Supports the Implementation of Objective B

As a regional multilateral platform, CTI-CFF advances Objective B through four core mechanisms:

1. Regional Policy Alignment and Governance

CTI-CFF facilitates the integration of livelihood resilience and socioeconomic considerations into ecosystem governance frameworks, including:

  • EAFM principles
  • MPA social standards
  • climate adaptation strategies
  • blue economy development plans
2. Capacity Building for Community Resilience

CTI-CFF supports Member Parties through:

  • training programs for community leaders
  • technical support for vulnerability assessments
  • development of climate-resilient livelihood models
  • strengthening local governance institutions

These initiatives equip communities with the skills and tools necessary to manage risks and adapt to change.

3. Regional Learning Networks and Knowledge Sharing

The CTI-CFF Learning Networks and CT Atlas serve as platforms for:

  • sharing best practices
  • monitoring community resilience
  • accessing socioeconomic data
  • developing adaptive management strategies
4. Partnerships and Resource Mobilization

CTI-CFF collaborates with regional and international partners—including governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and donor agencies—to mobilize funding and technical expertise that support community resilience and livelihood programs.

Regional Impact of Objective B

Implementing Objective B contributes significantly to:

  • enhanced climate resilience of coastal communities
  • improved livelihood security for millions of people
  • diversified economies and sustainable income sources
  • gender-equitable and socially inclusive development
  • strengthened capacity to withstand environmental and market shocks
  • improved alignment of conservation objectives with human well-being

By integrating socioeconomic resilience into marine governance, Objective B ensures that the benefits of conservation are both sustainable and equitable.

Conclusion

Objective B of the RPOA 2.0 reflects CTI-CFF’s recognition that sustainable marine conservation must go hand in hand with improving the resilience and well-being of the communities who depend most on coastal and marine resources.
By promoting adaptive capacity, livelihood diversification, gender equity, and inclusive socioeconomic development, CTI-CFF strengthens the foundation for long-term prosperity and stability across the Coral Triangle.

Through coordinated regional action, the six Member Parties are building resilient, empowered, and prosperous coastal communities—supporting a sustainable future for one of the world's most important marine regions.