TODAY’s announcement that Australia would commit a further $6 million towards the Coral Triangle Initiative has been welcomed by WWF-Australia.
Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, and Environment Minister Greg Hunt, announced the new funding package at the World Parks Congress in Sydney.
WWF-Australia CEO Dermot O’Gorman said the announcement was a welcome investment to assist countries across the Asia Pacific to improve the management of their oceans and coast.
“We applaud this announcement by the Australian Government,” Mr O’Gorman said.
“This funding will not only assist in preserving the natural heritage of the Coral Triangle, but to also enhance the economic livelihoods of the people who call the region home.”
The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security was formed in 2009 by the six Coral Triangle governments. WWF is one of seven Development Partners that provide ongoing support to the Initiative.
Located in the waters off the coasts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste, the Coral Triangle is the world’s marine life hotspot. It contains the highest diversity of iridescent corals, fish, crustaceans, molluscs and marine plant species on Earth.
Further information on today’s announcement by the Australian Government can be found at: Coral Triangle Initiative – Supporting our regional partners
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Image Source: © Jürgen Freund / WWF-Aus
