The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project continues to make significant progress in enhancing regional collaboration and sustainable management of marine-coastal ecosystems in the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region. On 2 May 2024, the Second Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting took place virtually, focusing on advancing the ATS Strategic Action Programme Monitoring System (ATS SAP MS).

In collaboration with the TWG, an ATS SAP MS Framework Document was developed in 2023, which was designed to monitor and share information about the ATS region, in conjunction with the implementation of the updated ATS Strategic Action Programme (SAP) and National Action Plans (NAPs) for 2024-2033. 

The monitoring system will track progress and impacts of SAP and NAPs implementation using a comprehensive set of indicators to ensure actions are effectively monitored and evaluated, and provide feedback in the form of reports to support adaptive management. It will be aiding in results-based planning, budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation, as well as ensuring accountability and learning among the ATS countries and stakeholders in the implementation of the ATSEA Program.

During the meeting, Dr Handoko Adi Susanto, ATSEA-2 Regional Project Manager, welcomed the members and provided an overview of the progress of development of the ATSEA Program and the ATS SAP MS. He emphasised the importance of the ATS SAP MS in achieving the program’s goals, stating, “The development of the ATS SAP Monitoring System is a crucial step in ensuring that our efforts in the ATS region are effectively monitored and that we have the necessary tools to assess and communicate our progress. This system will help us align our activities with the strategic objectives and ensure transparency and accountability.”

The meeting was organised to review and refine the draft training materials for the ATS SAP MS. These materials were designed to orient future staff of the ATS Regional Secretariat and National Secretariats, ensuring they are well-equipped to implement the monitoring system. Participants reviewed the draft training materials and provided valuable inputs to enhance their effectiveness, focusing on making the training guide comprehensive and user-friendly.

TWG representatives from the ATS countries provided valuable insights and suggestions during the meeting. Dr Mario Cabral from Timor-Leste stressed the importance of continuous capacity building for staff, particularly in validating key outcomes and understanding the Theory of Change (ToC). Building on this, the Indonesian representatives from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Ratna Ayu Rahardini and Anita Setianingsih, emphasised the need for a Training Needs Assessment (TNA) to tailor the training program according to participants’ knowledge and requirements, ensuring the training is relevant and impactful. They also suggested the inclusion of data management and analysis in the training program.

Complementing these insights, Vagi Rei from the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority of Papua New Guinea highlighted the integration of both quantitative and qualitative measures for monitoring and evaluation (M&E), seeking clarification on combining these measures effectively. This dual approach allows for a more comprehensive assessment of progress and outcomes.

Further adding to the discussion, Dr Andrew Chek from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) of Australia discussed the significance of developing detailed results chains, which help guide the assessment of the program’s pathways of change and ensure that intermediate outcomes are clearly understood and aligned with overall objectives. The meeting also recognised that the ATS SAP MS is a ‘living document’, which will be updated as needed to align with the completion of the ToC and the review and updating of the SAP and implementation plans.

The meeting concluded with a clear outline of the next steps, including finalising and disseminating the refined ATS SAP MS Framework Document and training materials, scheduling and conducting the training sessions for the ATS Regional and National Secretariats, developing and fine-tuning results chains to better guide the monitoring and evaluation process, and ensuring ongoing support and capacity building for staff involved in the implementation of the ATS SAP MS. The timing of the ATS SAP MS training will be coordinated with the ATS countries considering upcoming events and commitments in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The development of the ATS SAP Monitoring System marks a significant milestone in the ATSEA-2 Project’s efforts to promote sustainable development in the ATS region. Through effective monitoring and dissemination of information, the ATS SAP MS will be essential in enhancing the health of marine-coastal ecosystems and improving the quality of life for communities dependent on these vital resources.

By Yulia Dewi and Ingrid Narcise