Support to the Implementation of the Regional

Plan of Action of the Coral Triangle Initiative in

the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape Countries

TInitiative
he Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion is a
priority seascape of the Coral Triangle
on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and
Food Security (CTI-CFF). It is located in the
Western Indo-Pacific Region at the apex
of the Coral Triangle covering 1 million
square kilometers (km2) of marine and
terrestrial areas in Indonesia (provinces
of North Kalimantan, East Kalimantan,
Central Sulawesi, Gorontalo, and North
Sulawesi), Malaysia (Sabah), and the
Philippines. The marine resources in the
region provide food, livelihood, disaster
protection, and other critical benefits to
millions of people in these countries as
well as to the rest of the world.
The Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape Project
contributes to securing these benefits
The Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape covers 1 million km2 over three countries.
by enhancing the capacities of the three (Map: Foundation for the Philippine Environment)
countries to conserve and sustainably
use their natural resources. The project Countries
assists the countries in implementing their Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines
actions in a coordinated manner within
the framework of the CTI-CFF Regional Target Groups
Plan of Action (RPOA), with special focus CTI-CFF and their organs, ministries of the three countries,
on marine protected areas (MPA) and local population in marine protected areas and fishermen, other
implementing an Ecosystem Approach to stakeholders in biodiversity and fisheries management
Fisheries Management (EAFM). Duration
October 2012 June 2018
Donor
Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation,
Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB)

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Context
The Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape is an integral part of the 6.4 million km2 Coral Triangle, which is recognized
as the worlds centre of marine biodiversity. The Coral Triangle is home to the highest variety of coral,
crustacean, and marine plant species in the world. About 3,000 fish species are found in this region twice
as many as in any other region on the planet.
Unfortunately, the area faces major threats such as overfishing, destructive fishing practices, rapid population
growth, unsustainable coastal development, and pollution. As a consequence, biodiversity-rich coastal and
marine habitats like mangrove forests, coral reefs, and seagrass beds can lose their ability to fulfil functions
and provide services which benefit marine life and coastal communities. The situation is exacerbated by the
impacts of climate change, such as increasing water temperature and acidity, storm surges, and sea level
rise.
Designated as a priority seascape within the Coral Triangle by the CTI-CFF member countries (Indonesia,
Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste), the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape
serves as a geographic focus of investments, actions, and climate change-related interventions under the
CTI-CFF RPOA. Adopted in 2009, the CTI-CFF RPOA embodies the goals, principles, and commitments of the
member states in conserving and sustainably managing the resources of the region from 2010-2020.

Approach
The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB)
commissioned the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape Project to support Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines in
implementing and coordinating activities under the RPOA.
Two focal areas of implementation:
Increasing the management effectiveness of marine protected areas and establishing a regional marine
protected area network; and
Promoting an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management in selected marine managed areas.
The project seeks to catalyze efficient implementation of conservation actions in the seascape through
improved coordination among the various stakeholders and governments involved.

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The project pursues the following outputs:

Capacities of CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat and relevant government institutions of the Sulu-Sulawesi
Seascape countries are enhanced
Coordinating mechanisms among the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape countries in the framework of the CTI-CFF
are improved
Regional, national, and local activities within the framework of the CTI-CFF RPOA are implemented
Research of importance for the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape or CTI-CFF is conducted and results disseminated
Best practices are disseminated in the CTI-CFF member countries and beyond

Initiatives
The project assessed the capacity needs of partner institutions and designed
appropriate capacity development programs and activities. These activities are
intended to enhance coordinating mechanisms in the implementation of
the RPOA as well as the corresponding National Plans of Action with
special consideration of the MPA and EAFM focal areas. MO
T
Scientific research is facilitated by the project on marine turtles to
address information gaps on recruitment rates, population structure,
foraging grounds, and temporal habitat use. Research results are used
to guide efforts to promote effective MPA management and establish
a regional marine turtle MPA network. The project also supports
research needs for climate change adaptation planning by conducting
vulnerability and management assessments of coastal areas and
incorporating the results into MPA management plans. Furthermore,
the project supports the establishment of MPAs, MPA management units,
and the review of management plans in the three countries.
Project-supported studies on the status of Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus
undulates) and sharks (and related rays and chimaeras species) aim
to support management decisions of concerned agencies. Research on
genetic connectivity of Napoleon wrasse populations will feed into the
development of regional conservation strategies and management actions
for the endangered species. Further, research on whale sharks (Rhincodon
typus) will help determine migratory patterns and interconnectivity among
Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
To promote the institutionalization of good practices across the Sulu-
Sulawesi Seascape and CTI-CFF member countries, the project documents
notable experiences and programs and promotes them through activities like
experience sharing workshops and regional exchange visits. These activities
are enhanced by incorporating replication and upscaling planning sessions.
 Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape Project

Project Partners
The CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat provides the regional framework for implementation. The Sulu-
Sulawesi Seascape Project is co-implemented by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF)
of Indonesia; the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), Department of Fisheries
Sabah, and Sabah Parks in Malaysia; the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity
Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) and the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources (DA-BFAR) in the Philippines; Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit
(GIZ); and Conservation International.

GIZ is a federally-owned enterprise that supports the German government in the field of international
development cooperation. For more than 30 years, GIZ has been cooperating with Indonesia, Malaysia,
and the Philippines in strengthening the capacity of people and institutions to improve lives within
the region for this generation and generations to come. The Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape Project partner
countries work together to balance economic, social, and ecological interests through multi-
stakeholder dialogue, participation, and collaboration.

The Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape Project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment,
Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) under its International Climate Initiative.
The BMUB supports this Initiative based on a decision of the German Parliament. For more information,
see http://www.international-climate-initiative.com.

Contact
Franca Sprong, Project Director
Address: Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
DENR-BMB
Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, North Avenue, Diliman 1100
Quezon City, Philippines
Phone: +63 2 441 8440
Fax: +63 2 441 8440
Email: franca.sprong@giz.de