The First Cycle of the TFCCA Program Officially Launched: 58 Local initiatives are implementing coral reef conservation grants

The world’s first innovative funding program dedicated to the conservation of Indonesia's coral reef ecosystems, implemented by local communities, has been officially launched nationwide. Through the grant scheme known as the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Act (TFCCA) Program, a total of 58 local organizations and initiatives have been selected and are ready to implement the first cycle of the TFCCA Program across three priority seascapes in Indonesia.

Marking the commencement of the program’s implementation, seven representatives of grant recipients—on behalf of all implementing partners—signed grant agreements at an event held in Jakarta today. This signing marks the beginning of the first cycle of the overall TFCCA grant implementation, which is funded by the United States Government with a total value of approximately US$35 million.

The TFCCA Program is the first innovative financing mechanism between the Governments of the United States and Indonesia that specifically focuses on coral reef ecosystem conservation and is implemented by local community-based entities. The program is further strengthened by commitments and contributions from Conservation International and Konservasi Indonesia totaling US$3 million, as well as from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) together with Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) amounting to US$1.5 million.

TFCCA funding is directed toward supporting the protection and management of coral reef ecosystems within the Coral Triangle region, particularly in three major seascapes: Bird’s Head Seascape, Lesser Sunda Seascape, and Banda Seascape—areas recognized for their exceptionally high marine biodiversity and their vital role in sustaining coastal livelihoods.

The seven representatives who signed the grant agreements today represent 58 recipient organizations that will implement a wide range of conservation activities. These include the establishment, protection, restoration, and management of conservation areas; the development of science-based and locally informed management systems; strengthening scientific and institutional capacity; and enhancing resilient livelihoods for coastal communities.

The seven representatives who signed the grant agreements today represent 58 recipient organizations that will implement a wide range of conservation activities. These include the establishment, protection, restoration, and management of conservation areas; the development of science-based and locally informed management systems; strengthening scientific and institutional capacity; and enhancing resilient livelihoods for coastal communities.

The Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States Embassy to Indonesia, Peter M. Haymond, emphasized that the TFCCA Program links conservation with community well-being. “Protecting marine ecosystems is not only about conservation—it is also about livelihoods, food security, and long-term prosperity. The TFCCA Program converts sovereign debt payments into grants that fund conservation efforts led and driven by local communities. Through TFCCA, the United States is proud to partner with Indonesia to support organizations that deliver practical solutions to protect coral reefs while strengthening local economies,” said Haymond.

On the same occasion, Indonesia’s Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, reaffirmed that the launch of the TFCCA Program aligns with the Ministry’s Blue Economy policy, which places ecosystem sustainability as a top priority. He noted that Indonesia bears a major responsibility in safeguarding the world’s center of coral reef biodiversity, much of which lies within its territory, particularly in the Coral Triangle region.

“Amid the threats of climate change, marine pollution, and destructive fishing practices, coral reef conservation has become a strategic government agenda under the Blue Economy policy framework. The TFCCA Program also represents a form of blue diplomacy, emphasizing synergy from the global to the local level to support inclusive, participatory, and sustainable marine ecosystem conservation, particularly for coral reefs,” Trenggono stated.

As the TFCCA Program Administrator, Konservasi Indonesia is responsible for ensuring that grant implementation proceeds within a coordinated and measurable marine resource management framework—from planning through on-the-ground implementation.

“The TFCCA Program strengthens the direction of coral reef ecosystem management in Indonesia by ensuring that public resources are managed transparently and effectively. Konservasi Indonesia’s role as Administrator is to bridge strategic direction-setting, support mechanisms, and field implementation so that conservation targets are truly achieved,” said Meizani Irmadhiany, Senior Vice President and Executive Chair of Konservasi Indonesia.

From a global perspective, the TFCCA Program is viewed as part of the response to the growing crisis of marine biodiversity loss. This was conveyed by Kelvin Alie, Senior Vice President and Acting Head of Conservation Programs at Conservation International.

“Coral reefs are among the ecosystems most vulnerable to rising sea surface temperatures. The TFCCA Program is designed to apply science-based approaches to guide conservation interventions, making them more effective in safeguarding marine biodiversity while strengthening the socio-ecological resilience of coastal areas,” he explained.

Managing Director of TNC Asia Pacific, William McGoldrick, noted that the success of this agreement demonstrates the power of collaboration among nations and conservation organizations in realizing innovative and sustainable financing.

“Collaborations like this ensure that conservation impacts are community-driven and designed to endure over the long term. Together with our partner YKAN, we have seen globally that when reliable, sustainable funding is paired with local community leadership, ecosystems and economies can grow stronger together,” said William.

YKAN Executive Director Herlina Hartanto added that through the TFCCA Program, YKAN and its partners seek to ensure that communities are not merely beneficiaries but drivers of change.

“By integrating scientific data with local wisdom, the program is expected to strengthen community commitment as the frontline actors in conservation efforts. Active community involvement in marine area management is key to achieving effective and sustainable conservation,” she stated.

Previously, the TFCCA Program underwent a competitive and transparent grant selection process. Out of 323 proposals submitted by NGOs, community groups, and local conservation practitioners, 58 proposals passed technical and safeguards assessments conducted by an independent team. Today’s signing marks the first phase, with the next group of grant agreements scheduled to be signed on 28 February 2026.

Through the TFCCA Program, Indonesia and the United States reaffirm a conservation approach that positions coral reef ecosystems as both ecological and economic foundations. In line with the program’s spirit—“Healthy reefs, empowered communities, prosperous economies”—these grants are expected to strengthen the future of Indonesia’s marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

The seven grant recipient representatives present at this stage include: the Indigenous Community (MHA) of Wooti Kook Malaumkarta Raya from Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua; Nusa Biodiversitas Indonesia from West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara; the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) of Pattimura University, Maluku; the Kunti Bhakti Women’s Group Association from Tabanan Regency, Bali; Yayasan Nusa Bahari Lestari (SAHARI) from West Seram, Maluku; Bengkel Advokasi Pemberdayaan dan Pengembangan Kampung (Bengkel APPeK), Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara; and the PAAP Bahari Sejahtera Group from Bombana Regency, Southeast Sulawesi.