Environment

ADB Supports the Coral Triangle Initiative

The Coral Triangle is the center of the world's coral reef biological diversity, holding more than 75% of the known coral species and more than 3,000 species of reef fish. It covers all or parts of the exclusive economic zones of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste.

It also is home to the world’s largest population of commercially-important tuna species, supplying 50% of global tuna production valued at over $2 billion annually, and it supports a diving and nature-based tourism industry worth over $5 billion annually.

Destructive fishing practices; illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing across the region; and land-based pollution have caused serious damage to vital ecosystems with the rising sea level from climate change further threatening these resources in the longer run. This region is facing a grave threat from climate change, which many scientists believe will not only cause sea levels to rise, but also water temperatures and acidity, leading to bleaching and killing off reefs. The frequency and severity of tropical storms is also expected to increase.

The Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI), a regional effort to preserve and manage the region’s marine resources, was launched in 2007. The Global Environment Facility* (GEF) Council has pledged grants of up to US$ 65 million for CTI-related projects. ADB serves as the lead GEF agency to organize the program and mobilize resources from a range of partners, which will support conservation, policy development and institutional strengthening efforts under the CTI. ADB is working with the six countries as well as the Governments of the United States and Australia and the environmental groups World Wide Fund for Nature*, The Nature Conservancy* and Conservation International.

ADB's Projects under the CTI
ADB initially expects to implement three subprojects under the CTI plan, all of which will receive GEF funding.

One project covers the Western Pacific region of the Coral Triangle and will generate sustainable livelihoods for families depending on the sea for their income, and help address pressures on reefs and local fisheries. ADB and GEF will provide grant-financed technical assistance and support for pilot activities through the project, which also includes funding from the Government of Finland.

A second project will support similar efforts in participating Southeast Asian nations to protect their marine environments, ensure that fishing remains sustainable, and develop models for the sustainable financing of marine protected areas through strengthened policies and institutions.

A third project covering all six countries will support regional information exchange – providing improved access to the latest scientific data on coastal and marine management, including responses to climate change – and will help strengthen country collaboration in monitoring and carrying out the overall action plan.

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