Fostering Coastal Resilience and the Blue Economy: CTI-CFF's Insight from the ADB Workshop

The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) recently participated in the Workshop on Fostering Coastal Resilience and the Blue Economy, held from 13-17 November 2023 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. The event, organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), brought together representatives from various regions.

The workshop provided a platform for discussions on strategies and global examples of good practices in coastal resilience and blue economy development. Designed to assist Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Golden Triangle (IMT-GT) member countries, the event engaged environmental practitioners and planners experienced in coastal resilience and blue economy development from these regions.

One of the primary goals was to collaboratively identify key actions and measures to implement the joint BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT blue economy strategy, guiding the subregions' efforts until 2030. Among the objectives was the dissemination of global practices and lessons, including the experiences of BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT member countries in coastal resilience and the implementation of nature-based integrated solutions, with CTI-CFF playing a pivotal role.

Representative of CTI-CFF in the workshop was Mr. Christovel R.S. Rotinsulu, Acting Executive Director of the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, presenting insights on "Fostering Regional Cooperation to Safeguard Marine and Coastal Resources," drawing from the experiences of the Coral Triangle Initiative. In the presentation, he emphasized the concept of the blue economy, defining it as the sustainable use and management of ocean resources for economic growth and development. The scope of the blue economy encompasses a variety of industries, such as fisheries, tourism, shipping, and renewable energy.

An illustrative example showcased during the workshop emphasized how the blue economy is intricately linked to local economic development through ecotourism. Coastal communities, by promoting sustainable tourism practices and showcasing their unique marine ecosystems, can attract visitors, generate income, and simultaneously preserve their natural resources.

Aligned with the objectives outlined in the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) 2.0 until 2030, CTI-CFF is actively working towards achieving the blue economy. One specific objective states that by 2030, the risk resilience and socioeconomic conditions, especially in terms of food security and coastal livelihoods, of communities residing in the Coral Triangle region will be improved.

The workshop served as a crucial platform for CTI-CFF to contribute valuable insights, learn from global experiences, and strengthen collaborative efforts towards fostering coastal resilience and promoting the sustainable blue economy in the Coral Triangle region. As the CTI-CFF continues to play a key role in regional initiatives, it remains committed to realizing the vision outlined in its objectives, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for the communities within the Coral Triangle.