The Coral Triangle, one of the most diverse marine areas globally – it spans Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, covering Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. Its rich biodiversity makes it a focal point for sustainable marine resource conservation and utilization. Women play a pivotal role in this region’s fisheries sector, from direct fishing to supply and marketing chains. Despite their significant contributions, women fishers often lack recognition and access to essential resources, training, and support.

To address these challenges, the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) organized a seminar on June 5, 2024, in Manado, North Sulawesi. The event, part of the annual Coral Triangle Day celebration, aimed to recognize and enhance women’s contributions in the fisheries sector. The seminar fostered discussions among various ministries and institutions to support and empower women fishers, ultimately promoting family economies and the Blue Economy in Indonesia while preserving marine resources.

CTC, co-chair of the CTI-CFF Women Leaders Forum, was invited to speak at the seminar. Leilani Gallardo, CTC Regional Communications Coordinator, represented CTC and highlighted the forum’s programs and activities designed to empower women leaders in the fisheries sector. Gallardo spoke about the development of the CTI-CFF Women Leaders Forum and the forum’s efforts to facilitate networking, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building among women leaders in the fisheries sector across the Coral Triangle.

The event aligned with CTC’s recent initiatives, including women learning exchanges with leaders in the fisheries sector and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) from eight provinces, Nusa Penida and from the Pacific Forum workshops. These exchanges have provided invaluable opportunities for women leaders to share experiences, challenges, and best practices, thereby strengthening their roles and contributions to sustainable fisheries management. The seminar, attended by approximately 150 participants, primarily women leaders from the fisheries sector, was well-received by the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat and other guest speakers.

The other speakers, such as the Head of the North Sulawesi Marine and Fisheries Service, Dr. Tinneke Adam, and the Assistant Deputy for Gender Mainstreaming of the Indonesian Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Protection, Dewa Ayu Laksmi, expressed strong interest in joining CTI WLF’s future programs and activities. Their participation signifies a growing recognition of the importance of gender mainstreaming in fisheries and the need for collaborative efforts to support women fishers.

Additionally, on June 11, 2024, the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat celebrated the 15th anniversary of the CTI-CFF’s founding. This milestone marks the establishment of a multilateral partnership initiated in 2009 by Indonesian President Yudhoyono. The partnership includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. The CTI-CFF focuses on food security through sustainable marine resource management, considering climate change impacts.

CTC, as an official development partner and co-chair of the CTI-CFF Women Leaders Forum, participated in the anniversary celebration. Executive Director Rili Djohani and Leilani Gallardo represented CTC, engaging with donor partners, including the GIZ Somacore team and the Coral Triangle Regional Trust Fund CEO. These interactions underscored the importance of international collaboration and donor support in achieving the CTI-CFF’s goals.

The celebration, headed by CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat Executive Director Dr. Frank Keith Griffin, highlighted the significant progress made by the CTI-CFF over the past 15 years in promoting sustainable fisheries and marine conservation in the Coral Triangle. It also reinforced the ongoing commitment of the CT6 countries to work together in addressing critical issues such as food security, climate change, and marine biodiversity conservation. The event served as a platform for renewing pledges and exploring innovative strategies to further enhance the resilience and sustainability of the Coral Triangle’s marine and coastal resources.

In conclusion, the recent seminar and anniversary celebration underscore the critical role of women in the fisheries sector and the need for continued efforts to empower them. By fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building, initiatives like the CTI-CFF Women Leaders Forum are paving the way for more inclusive and sustainable fisheries management in the Coral Triangle region. The ongoing commitment of governments, organizations, and communities is essential in ensuring the long-term health and prosperity of this vital marine area.

Photos: CTI-CFF