Towards plastic smart islands
The Coral Triangle, spanning waters of Southeast Asia and bordering the western Pacific Ocean, forms a critical marine ecosystem unlike any other on Earth. Encompassing Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste, (CT 6), this region boasts the world’s highest concentration of marine biodiversity, home to 76% of the world’s coral species and harbouring more reef fish species than any other marine region. The Coral Triangle serves as a nursery for global marine ecosystems and is crucial for planetary wellbeing. Beyond its ecological value, it also sustains millions of livelihoods as a cornerstone of regional economic prosperity and a key contributor to global food security.2 However, this unique and irreplaceable biodiversity treasure is under dire threat, with plastic pollution emerging as one of the most urgent and escalating crises.
THE CORAL TRIANGLE INITIATIVE ON CORAL REEFS, FISHERIES AND FOOD SECURITY
Established in 2009 by the Heads of States of six nations – Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, and TimorLeste the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) seeks to conserve the rich biodiversity as well as address food security and livelihoods for coastal communities through the protection of species, habitats, and ecosystems.
A current comprehensive Regional Plan of Action 2.0 (2023-2030) guides the six member states in achieving two overarching goals:
• Improved ecosystem health and fisheries
• Improved resilience and socioeconomic conditions
In the RPOA 2.0, a key objective is for the CT6 to collaboratively develop and implement strategies and initiatives for addressing waste management and marine pollution in the Coral Triangle region.
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