Women’s Journey in Promoting Sustainable Resource Management in the Coral Triangle
Part 1 | Good News: Women From Four Countries United To Protect The World’s Coral Triangle
This is the first part of the article “Women’s Journey in Supporting Natural Resource Management in the Coral Triangle.”
Have you ever heard of the Coral Triangle?
Hidden beneath the surface of our oceans lies one of the most extraordinary regions on Earth—the Coral Triangle. Stretching across the waters of six countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Malaysia, this vast marine area spans more than 6 million square kilometers. It is not just large in size, but immense in significance.
Often referred to as the world’s epicenter of marine biodiversity, the Coral Triangle is home to an astonishing 76% of all coral reef species on the planet. More than 3,000 species of fish depend on these waters for survival, making it one of the richest and most vibrant ecosystems in the world.
Read: Renewable Technologies in Sustainable Forest Management
Because of this remarkable abundance, the Coral Triangle has become a top priority for global marine conservation. Its reefs are not only vital for ocean life, but also for the millions of people whose livelihoods, cultures, and futures are deeply intertwined with the sea.
And within this vast seascape, a powerful story is unfolding—one led by women from four countries who have come together with a shared commitment: to protect, care for, and sustain the Coral Triangle for generations to come.
At present, the Coral Triangle region is facing a range of serious threats. Climate change has become the most significant challenge, with direct impacts on the livelihoods of coastal communities. In addition, environmentally harmful practices in natural resource exploitation such as unsustainable fishing and pollution continue to occur. Countries across the region also face shared challenges, including biodiversity loss and the limited participation and access of women and Indigenous peoples in the management and benefits of coastal and marine ecosystems.
Amid these challenges, there is encouraging news. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has initiated a program aimed at strengthening the role of women in the management of coastal and marine resources across the Coral Triangle region. The program is supported by the Government of Canada and works in partnership with women’s groups from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and the Solomon Islands, with the aspiration of generating broader impacts that extend to Malaysia and Timor-Leste through the sharing of lessons learnt.
In implementing the program, TNC collaborates with several partner organizations, including World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines and Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), to support and oversee implementation on the ground. The program was officially launched on 14 April 2026 through a collaboration between TNC and the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) at an event held in Jakarta.
In his remarks, the Ambassador of Canada to Indonesia, His Excellency Jess Dutton, stated that the program is being implemented based on three main pillars. First, strengthening women’s knowledge, skills, and leadership so they can actively participate in natural resource management. Second, expanding access to financing mechanisms that enable women’s equal participation in natural resource management and climate change solutions. Third, enhancing women’s engagement in governance processes and policy advocacy.
There is, of course, great hope that this program will bring about real and meaningful change. Silpa Botot, who comes from Aduwei Village in North Misool District, Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, shared her hopes for the program supported by the Government of Canada. According to her, this support is essential for preserving nature, which is an ancestral heritage passed down through generations.
“Thank you for supporting women in Misool. We hope that our efforts will continue to improve and move forward, and that they will not stop here. We still want to keep learning so that nature remains protected for our children and grandchildren,” said Silpa Botot, who is also a member of the Joom Jak Sasi women’s group. Since 2022, this group has been entrusted with managing natural resources in their area through the sasi system, a traditional community-based resource management practice.
Did the meeting and commitment of these remarkable women end there? It turns out, no. They continued their journey to Bogor, where they spent the next three days exchanging experiences and knowledge with one another.
Curious to learn more about their story? Let’s continue by reading the second part of this story here.
Read This Next
Bumi Ina Ama Tana: When the people of Sabu Raijua unite with nature
Sabu Raijua revives local wisdom with “Bumi Ina Ama Tana,” promoting collective action to protect ecosystems, enhance food sovereignty, and create food forests and ikat weaving spaces.
Berau Regency’s Commitment to Integrated Land and Forest Governance
Berau Regency, 75% forested, drives sustainable land management via Integrated Area Development and Social Forestry collaboration.
“Marine Conservation Technology Development Model” – Global Ocean Innovation Challenge
The Global Ocean Innovation Challenge (GOIC) tackled data gaps, boosted monitoring, and promoted sustainable fisheries.