Hosted by Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW), this special session of the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project’s Regional Steering Committee (RSC) was a crucial step in preparing for the upcoming ATS Ministerial Forum. The meeting focused on finalizing the ATS Ministerial Declaration, a key document that will guide future collaboration among these nations to address critical transboundary challenges, including illegal fishing, pollution, and the protection of endangered, threatened, and protected (ETP) species.

The SGOM wasn’t just about paperwork; it was about action. Over two days, officials reviewed and refined the draft Ministerial Declaration, ensuring it reflects the shared goals and commitments of the ATS countries. The discussions were thorough, with each country bringing forward its perspectives and proposing adjustments to key provisions. The meeting also included the operationalization of the ATS Regional Governance Mechanism (RGM), which will play a central role in implementing the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) and ensuring that the ATS region’s resources are managed sustainably in the long term.

It underscored the commitment of each country to work together for a healthier and more sustainable ATS region. Australia’s leadership was instrumental, as they proposed necessary policy changes and pledged ongoing support during this critical transition phase. Australia also hosted a Welcome to Country Ceremony, honoring the traditional custodians of the land and highlighting the cultural connections between the First Nations people of Northern Australia and the Makassans from Indonesia, as well as the Torres Strait Islanders and the people of the South Fly River in PNG. This ceremony set a tone of respect and collaboration for the meeting.

Indonesia representatives brought exciting news to the table, announcing that the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for 2024-2033 had been signed by its Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF). This endorsement marks a significant step forward in the region’s efforts to protect its marine environment. Indonesia’s commitment was further demonstrated by its proposal to establish the RGM as a separate entity with a legal personality, which would enhance its ability to manage funds and projects effectively. Indonesia also confirmed that it will continue to host the regional secretariat in Bali, with plans to finalize the secondment of national and local staff by the end of 2024.

PNG delegates highlighted the importance of creating a solid legal framework for these initiatives, making it easier for all countries to contribute and collaborate effectively. PNG reiterated its commitment by agreeing to provide annual financial contributions during the bridging phase and by emphasizing the necessity of the RGM’s legal personality to facilitate these contributions. This move is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of the ATS collaboration beyond the ATSEA-2 Project.

Timor-Leste, on the other hand, advocated for a careful evaluation of the best ways to transition to a long-term program, ensuring that every step taken is sustainable and beneficial for the region. They suggested conducting a detailed study to explore various options for establishing the RGM’s legal personality, considering both the benefits and potential drawbacks. This cautious approach reflects Timor-Leste’s commitment to ensuring that the long-term governance of the ATS region is both effective and sustainable.

The meeting also featured a Special Forum with Australian environmental agencies, where experts shared innovative solutions to combat marine pollution, manage waste, and protect wildlife. Presentations covered a wide range of topics, including the impact of ghost nets on marine life, strategies to reduce light pollution, and cutting-edge technologies for creating sustainable materials from waste. The Special Forum concluded with a field trip to the Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites at the University of Queensland highlighting recent research into bio-derived, biodegradable plastic alternatives. These discussions not only highlighted the challenges faced by the ATS region but also showcased potential solutions that could be adopted across the participating countries.

The SGOM concluded with a strong sense of unity and purpose. The officials agreed on the next steps for finalizing the Ministerial Declaration and preparing for the ATS Ministerial Forum. They also recognized the importance of continuing to build on the progress made during the ATSEA-2 Project, ensuring that the collaboration remains robust and effective long into the future.

About the project

ATSEA-2 is the second phase of the Arafura & Timor Seas Ecosystem Action (ATSEA) program, a regional partnership involving the governments of Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and Papua New Guinea supported by the Australian Government. Its objective is to collectively manage high marine and fisheries resources in the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region. Since its inception in 2019, the program has been working to promote sustainable development in the ATS region and improve the quality of life of its inhabitants through a combination of restoration, conservation, and sustainable management of marine-coastal ecosystems.

The ATSEA-2 Project is committed to safeguarding the livelihoods and prosperity of coastal people in the ATS region, particularly in transboundary areas, through the implementation of sustainable integrated concepts.

ATSEA-2 is a Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded program, managed and executed under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) Resource Facility (PRF) is an implementing partner.

For more information on the ATSEA-2 Project, please contact the Regional Project Manager, Handoko Adi Susanto (hasusanto@pemsea.org), or visit the project page on iwlearn.net or the project website.

Words by Stella Yovita.