The Final RSC Meeting of the ATSEA-2 Project, hosted in Bali on December 10, 2024, brought together regional delegates to review achievements and prepare for the ATSEA Program transition. The meeting covered updates on the Strategic Action Program (SAP) 2024-2033, Regional Governance Mechanism (RGM), and sustainability plans. With a focus on marine conservation and community benefits, the discussions reflected a shared commitment to continuing collaboration and securing the health of the Arafura and Timor Seas ecosystem.
The Sydney Declaration, adopted on 5 December 2024, strengthens sustainable ocean governance in the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region. It formalises the Regional Governance Mechanism (RGM) to guide the implementation of the ATS Strategic Action Programme (SAP) 2024-2033, tackling key transboundary challenges such as marine pollution, IUU fishing, oil spills, and habitat degradation.
This publication highlights the ATSEA-2 Project’s progress in five critical areas: unsustainable fisheries, habitat degradation, marine pollution, loss of biodiversity, and climate change impacts. It emphasises the community-level impact, offering concrete examples of lessons learned and best practices from 2019-2024. Essential for those in or interested in the ATS region’s conservation, this booklet serves as both a record of the project’s journey and a guide for future initiatives to support a sustainable future for the region’s communities and ecosystems.
The Arafura and Timor Seas Strategic Action Programme (ATS-SAP) 2024-2033 sets the strategic direction for the next decade to tackle transboundary environmental challenges in the 167-million-hectare Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) Large Marine Ecosystem. Focused on marine plastic pollution, oil spills, small-scale IUU fishing, and the decline of endangered species, the SAP strengthens regional cooperation among littoral countries to protect biodiversity and sustain ecosystem services. It also integrates climate resilience, governance, and gender inclusion while supporting sustainable economic opportunities in the ATS region.
This report covers key findings from fisheries enumeration (2021–2023) in Indonesia, it examines the Spawning Potential Ratio (SPR) of four snapper species. While two species show improved SPR values, others remain critically low, signaling urgent action. The report emphasises the need for sustainable management practices, including fishing quotas and monitoring programs, to safeguard red snapper populations, support local communities, and ensure long-term environmental and economic sustainability in the Arafura and Timor Seas region.
The Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) Financial Landscape and Guidance Report provides an in-depth assessment of current marine and coastal management financing in the ATS region. It explores various funding mechanisms, including state budgets, bilateral and multilateral programs, and private sector contributions. The report identifies key trends, gaps, and opportunities in the financial landscape, offering strategic recommendations to ensure the long-term sustainability of the ATS Regional Governance Mechanism (RGM) through diversified and innovative funding sources. This document is crucial for stakeholders involved in regional governance and sustainable development in the ATS.
The Causal Chain Analysis Report for the Arafura and Timor Seas, prepared under the ATSEA-2 Project, identifies and examines the root causes, direct and indirect drivers, and socio-economic and ecological impacts of three priority transboundary environmental issues: pollution of marine and coastal environments, decline in ecosystem habitats and biodiversity, and unsustainable fisheries. The analysis is intended to inform the updating of the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) and the Strategic Action Programme (SAP), guiding future collaborative efforts in the region.
The Theory of Change (ToC) report for the Arafura and Timor Seas Strategic Action Programme (SAP) 2024-2033 provides a detailed framework for implementing and evaluating regional initiatives aimed at sustainable marine and coastal management. It outlines the causal linkages between proposed actions, expected outcomes, and long-term goals, focusing on reducing plastic pollution, preventing oil spills, combating illegal fishing, and protecting endangered species. The ToC serves as a living document, guiding adaptive management and ensuring the effective coordination and participation of stakeholders across the region.
The ATS Regional Governance Mechanism (RGM) Transition Plan outlines the strategic steps required to shift from the ATSEA-2 Project to a long-term, inter-governmental partnership aimed at sustainable management of the Arafura and Timor Seas. This transition involves establishing new coordination structures, legal frameworks, and funding mechanisms to support the continued implementation of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) and National Action Programmes (NAPs). Endorsed in November 2023, the plan details the phased approach to operationalize the RGM, ensuring continuity and sustainability beyond the ATSEA-2 project’s closure in December 2024.
The policy brief highlights the economic and environmental benefits of continued support for the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action (ATSEA) program. It discusses the importance of regional governance and collaboration among the ATS countries to address transboundary environmental issues through the implementation of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP). The brief outlines the costs and benefits of the Regional Governance Mechanism (RGM) and SAP, emphasizing the need for sustained financial commitments from member countries to ensure the long-term success and impact of the program.
The Financing and Investment Strategy for the Arafura and Timor Seas Regional Governance Mechanism (RGM), endorsed by the 5th ATSEA-2 Regional Steering Committee in November 2023, outlines a strategic plan to ensure financial sustainability. It details steps for securing and managing funds through country contributions, grants, and partnerships, aimed at supporting the implementation of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) and maintaining the RGM’s operations during the bridging phase and beyond.
Throughout 2023, the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project made significant progress in sustainable marine and coastal ecosystem management in the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region. Through strong collaboration between Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Timor-Leste, the project enhanced marine biodiversity, sustainable resource use, and governance to address transboundary issues. As it approaches its final phase in 2024, the project aims to create a lasting impact through comprehensive environmental approaches and strengthened collaboration.
