The Arafura and Timor Seas Ministerial Forum 2024 marked an important milestone in the progress of the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project, which has spanned the past five years. On 5 December 2024, H.E. Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water, Australia; H.E. Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia; and H.E. Jelta Wong, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Papua New Guinea (PNG), gathered in Sydney to advance cooperation in the region by officially signing a Ministerial Declaration (called Sydney Declaration). Hosted by the Government of Australia through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), the Forum brought together 42 participants from Arafura and Timor (ATS) countries, partners and the ATSEA-2 Project team.

Under the theme “Shaping a New Decade Together Towards a Sustainable Blue Economy,” the Forum reflected on the achievements of the ATSEA-2 Project while setting the course for future collaboration. Over the past five years, the project has addressed key challenges such as marine pollution, overfishing, and habitat degradation. These efforts have expanded marine protected areas, developed fisheries management plans, and supported communities through inclusive programs.

H.E. Tanya Plibersek MP, speaking as the host minister, remarked, “The Arafura and Timor Seas hold globally significant marine biodiversity, including 600 species of reef-building corals, 2,500 species of marine fish, and what many experts consider to be the most important area in the world for dugong habitat. The Ministerial Declaration we are signing today formalises our commitment to work together to ensure the rich coastal and marine resources of this region continue to provide essential resources and food security.”

She further emphasised Australia’s contributions, including efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, protect migratory and threatened species, and address marine plastic pollution. Highlighting one of the key initiatives, she stated, “Lost fishing gear is just one of the challenges to the health of our shared ocean. I look forward to working with you on reducing the loss of fishing gear into the ocean and demonstrating to the rest of the world how it can be done.”

H.E. Jelta Wong highlighted the tangible impacts of the ATSEA-2 Project on the South Fly communities in Western Province, a region often overlooked in national and regional development efforts. “This collaboration has empowered artisanal fishers, promoted sustainable practices, and connected remote communities to broader regional efforts,” he said. He also drew attention to the Fore Coast Artisanal Fisheries Management Plan, developed under ATSEA-2, which integrates sustainable fishing practices, biodiversity conservation, and community-led monitoring. “This plan safeguards our marine habitats for future generations,” he added.

Minister Wong further stressed the importance of the ATS Ministerial Declaration in formalizing the ATS Regional Governance Mechanism (RGM) and Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for 2024–2033. These frameworks align with Papua New Guinea’s Vision 2050 and the PNG Fisheries Strategic Plan (2021–2030), ensuring that national priorities contribute to regional goals. He announced Papua New Guinea’s financial commitment to the Regional Secretariat, pledging USD 65,000 annually for 2025 and 2026. “This funding demonstrates our support for the SAP and National Action Programme and our determination to address the marine and coastal challenges we face,” he stated.

H.E. Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, reaffirmed Indonesia’s dedication to regional collaboration during his address at the Arafura and Timor Seas Ministerial Forum. “Indonesia’s presence here reflects our commitment to protecting biodiversity, promoting sustainable fisheries, and enhancing food security and the welfare of coastal communities,” he stated.

Minister Trenggono emphasised the importance of advancing the blue economy with a focus on ocean health. He outlined key strategies, including expanding marine protected areas, implementing quota-based sustainable fishing practices, and reducing marine plastic waste through the Bulan Cinta Laut (Ocean Love Month) campaign. He also introduced Indonesia’s Ocean Big Data system, an innovative tool integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide real-time monitoring of marine resources. “This system will help us safeguard the oceans and ensure that conservation and management actions are effective and timely,” he added.

The Minister highlighted the ATS Ministerial Declaration as a cornerstone for regional cooperation. “Through this Declaration, Indonesia is ready to contribute to the implementation of the ATSEA Strategic Action Program 2024–2033 and its National Action Programs,” he said. He called for continued collaboration among ATS countries, UNDP, GEF, PEMSEA, and other partners, stating, “Together, we can unlock the immense potential of the blue economy in a sustainable manner so that future generations may benefit from this shared wealth.”

The Forum underscored the need to align regional strategies with global commitments, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The adoption of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) 2024–2033 provides a roadmap for biodiversity conservation, sustainable fisheries, and climate change adaptation over the next decade. The launch of the Regional Governance Mechanism (RGM) establishes structures such as the Council of Ministers (COM) and Regional Coordination Committee (RCC), ensuring coordinated efforts across the region.

The Arafura and Timor Seas Ministerial Forum not only celebrated the accomplishments of the ATSEA-2 Project but also set the stage for a future of collaborative marine governance. The strong commitment among ATS nations ensures the preservation of marine ecosystems and the support of livelihoods for generations to come.

By Stella Yovita Arya Puteri