PNG among nations to discuss Coral Triangle

Papua New Guinea will take part in a meeting with other Asia Pacific nations to discuss ways to protect and manage the fragile Coral Triangle.
The Coral Triangle is one of the most diverse and threatened marine ecosystems in the world.
Environment and fishery ministers from the Asia-Pacific representing Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands and PNG will discuss ways to encourage Indonesia to elect a permanent secretariat for the initiative.
Country director of Indonesia’s Asian Development Bank Jon Lindborg told Radio Australia that improved management of coastal and marine resources in the Coral Triangle was critical for ensuring food security, employment, sustainable economic development and increased regional cooperation.
The Coral Triangle is dubbed the “Amazon of the seas”, covering a vast area of ocean that reaches all or part of the six member countries of the initiative.
The Coral Triangle is home to 76% of all known coral species and its resources provide daily sustenance and employment for more than 120 million people.
But harmful fishing practices and climate change are threatening the future of this global epicentre of marine biodiversity.
“The establishment of a permanent secretariat is an important step towards ensuring the success of the initiative and for implementing the regional plan of action,” Lindborg said.