Australian Environment Minister to progress conservation efforts in Coral Triangle

Australian Environment Minister Tony Burke is leading Australia's delegation to the 3rd Coral Triangle Initiative Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta, 27-28 October 2011.

Mr Burke said the meeting represented an opportunity for Australia to work closely with its neighbours in the Coral Triangle region and support them in their efforts to focus on both conservation and economic development through this Initiative.

"The Coral Triangle is renowned for its amazing marine biodiversity. It contains more than half of the world's coral reefs and over a third of its coral reef fish species," Mr Burke said.

"On top of its environmental value, the Coral Triangle's rich marine life supports the health and livelihoods of around 240 million people in our neighbouring countries.

"The Coral Triangle is the Amazon of the oceans."

In July, the Australian Government committed A$2.5 million through the Coral Triangle Initiative to help its neighbours in their efforts to protect the region's marine environment and support sustainable livelihoods and food security.

"Its focus is to improve food security, sustainable livelihoods and economic development in the region through improved management of marine and coastal resources.

"With our globally-recognised expertise in areas of marine and coastal research, planning and management, Australia is well-placed to support the activities under the Initiative."

The Coral Triangle Initiative is a partnership between the governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste.

As a formal Development Partner to the Initiative, Australia provides funding support, as well as technical and strategic expertise and advice to assist the pursuit of the Initiative's goals.

Full details of the Australian Government Support Plan for the Coral Triangle Initiative and the associated support activities can be found at www.environment.gov.au/cti.

Media Enquiries:
Ray Marcelo, Counsellor (Public Affairs) tel. (021) 2550 5290 mob. 0811 187 3175