CTI-CFF Presents Paper on Sustainable Development and the Blue Economy at Rio+20

The CTI-CFF Interim Regional Secretariat presented a white paper illustrating how the initiative has become a model for implementation of sustainable development and the blue economy commitments at the sidelines of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). CTI-CFF Executive Chair Dr. Suseno Sukoyono presented the paper at the Indonesia Pavilion in Rio De Janeiro on June 19, 2012. The paper, developed by the CTI-CFF Interim Regional Secretariat and partners, focused on how the Rio+20 priorities captured the joint priorities and commitments of the CTI member countries and reflected their regional and national plans of action.

In his presentation, Dr. Sukoyono noted that the corresponding themes and priority attentions in Rio+20 present an opportunity for CTI-CFF as a collaborative framework to speed up implementation and action on coral reef, fisheries and food security related issues. He also stressed that CTI member countries  are keen  to  discuss  and  work  with  other participants at Rio+20 to be able to deliver a strong outcome for oceans, fisheries and biodiversity in light of their economic, social and environmental significance.

Dr. Sukoyono also noted how the CTI-CFF is paving the way for the implementation of a blue economy. He cited the importance of working with the private sector as a critical stakeholder and partner in the sustainable management, use and protection of oceans, coasts and marine resources. He cited that industry engagement first became a major focus in 2010 through two CTI events - the CTI Business Forum and the Coral Triangle Fishers Forum. These events have resulted in significant commitments from the business sector and national governments to improving business practices and governance policies aimed at improving sustainability of fish stocks and the fishing industry in a number of Coral Triangle countries.  In 2011, the CTI countries moved towards establishing a Coral Triangle Business Council which will provide a mechanism for direct engagement with key industry sectors for policy advice, information sharing and collaboration on sustainable business practices.

To download the full paper, follow this link.