Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono called on parties to the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) to jointly conserve the marine ecosystem for the common good.

"The Coral Triangle is a geographic area of tropical waters that has been globally recognized as the world's epicenter of biodiversity. This region is vital not only in ecological aspects but also for social and economic matters," he remarked in Jakarta on Thursday.

This roughly triangular area spans waters around Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands and is home to over 600 coral species, around two thousand species of coral fish, and various endangered animals.

Speaking at a media gathering marking the commemoration of 16 years of CTI-CFF and Coral Triangle Day 2025, Trenggono highlighted that promoting and applying sustainable practices is paramount to protecting this rich marine ecosystem, which supports the livelihoods of 120 million multinational coastal residents.

The minister emphasized the importance of the six countries making the most of the CTI-CFF as a platform for unity, enabling the creation of synchronized policies instrumental for conserving the marine area and promoting science-based fisheries management.

He noted that an aligned vision and efforts are essential to protect the Coral Triangle from climate change impacts, overfishing, plastic pollution, and various destructive human activities.

Furthermore, he stressed that the commemoration of CTI-CFF's 16th anniversary should be viewed as a valuable momentum for Indonesia to strengthen its blue diplomacy and promote responsible marine management by celebrating Coral Triangle Day 2025.

The CTI-CFF was declared by leaders of the six Coral Triangle nations at a CTI summit held in 2009 in Indonesia.

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Translator: Muhammad H, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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