Goal 3. Promote learning networks and collective action

Goal 3. Promote learning networks and collective action 

Facilitate and/or host regional and national learning networks to strengthen the capacity of members to coordinate cross-boundary strategies, adapt and apply marine conservation approaches, and share experiences and best practices needed to effectively care for marine natural resources across the Coral Triangle.  

 

CTI Regional Learning Network

In the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA)[1] and the six National Plans of Action (NPOAs) five focal themes (Seascapes, Fisheries, Marine Protected Areas, Climate Change Adaptation, and Threatened Species) have been identified to cover a wide range of aspects concerning the conservation and sustainable management of coastal and marine resources within the Coral Triangle region. CTI has identified the value of learning from shared knowledge and information related to all themes and goals. For example, Goal 3: MPAs, Regional Activity #1, “Establish overall goals, objectives, principles and operational design elements for a CTMPA centered around priority MPA Networks”, includes a regional exchange and development and management of an information system.  Regional activity #3, “Build capacity for effective CTMPA management”, targets compilation of an inventory of success stories and development of an institutional network to continue sharing within the region.  

Although learning networks in the RPOA are specifically referenced with relation to thematic topics, including MPAs and CCAs as well as Papua New Guinea’s National Plan Of Action (NPOA), CTC’s discussions with CT6 leaders and CTI regional institutions reflect a general consensus that a formalized CTI Learning Network(s) would be beneficial and broadly endorsed.

 

In May 2010  the CTI interim Secretariat hosted a regional workshop to identify joint priority actions to focus CT efforts in 2010 and 2011.  The outcomes of the Workshop included the identification of  nine priority actions for immediate attention and  activities towards which a formalized Learning Network could contribute considerably.  In addition, the Senior Officials Meeting held in Manado in November 2010 saw the endorsement by the CT6 for the expansion of the number of Working Groups from three to nine to include the five thematic RPOA Goal areas as well as Capacity Development WG. With the increasing amount of activities being generated, the growing momentum of the CTI, and the expanding numbers of partners at all levels, there is ever growing likelihood for missed opportunities for knowledge capture and sharing (as well as potential loss) without a focused effort. 

 

After initial research and consultations with CT6 representatives, CTC believes that an overarching CTI Regional Learning Network could support action towards RPOA and NPOA Goals including CTI Priority Actions by serving as a central knowledge platform and linking many of the mechanisms and bodies involved in their pursuit including: 

 

  • Senior Officials Meetings and Ministerial Meetings; 
  • CTI Secretariat and NCCs;
  • CTI Cross-cutting and Technical Working Group ;  
  • Existing National Marine and Conservation related Learning Networks;  and 
  • Ongoing and planned CT and Partner initiatives and activities.

The benefits of the umbrella Learning Network would be to facilitate the connection and strengthening of existing Learning Networks and other knowledge related initiatives to accelerate and maximize CT related impacts. 

 

 

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