Six nations comprising the Coral Triangle meet this week to address unsustainable fishing, pollution, and loss of critical habitats from coastal land development to protect this biodiversity-rich region. Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu, chairman of the council of ministers, said, “Every gathering of countries that prioritizes the protection of marine and coastal resources is a welcome opportunity to do our share to improve the lives of people who depend on these resources.” Aside from the Philippines, other Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) members are Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. These nations are collectively called CT6.

Villanueva, R. (2017, November 30). Coral Triangle nations meet to address common threats. The Philippine Star, p. B6.