Seascapes

Seascape Working Group

Seascapes are defined as: “spatially heterogeneous and dynamic [marine] spaces that can be delineated at a wide range of scales in time and space.” In seascape ecology, as in landscape ecology, species composition, diversity, and other characteristics of ecological communities are modeled in relation to intermixed habitat patches and spatially variable factors of interest, such as temperature or predator density.

In marine and coastal contexts, a "seascape" refers to a geographically distinct, large-scale area of the ocean and coastline that encompasses multiple ecosystems and habitat types. Seascapes are characterized by their ecological, biological, and social attributes, and they often include a combination of open water, coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses, coastal wetlands, and adjacent land areas. The concept of a seascape is important for integrated management and conservation efforts, as it allows for the holistic consideration of ecological connections, human activities, and governance systems across different marine and coastal environments.

Seascape management involves strategies to sustainably use and conserve marine resources while maintaining ecological integrity and supporting the livelihoods and cultures of local communities. This approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need for collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, including governments, local communities, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies. The goal is to balance environmental conservation with economic and social development, ensuring the long-term health and resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems.

It's a way of thinking about how to care for the ocean, a kind of blueprint for how to use a certain section of the ocean sustainably. Furthermore, CTI-CFF has identified three priority seascapes for focus: the Sulu Sulawesi Seascape, the Lesser Sunda Seascape, and the Bismarck Solomon Seas Seascape.

• Chairperson: Papua New Guinea
• Vice chair: Timor Leste

This is the link to Seascape TOR/Rules and Regulation approved in SOM-14: 

• Rules of Procedures of the CTI-CFF Seascapes
  • Seascape Working Group Goals, Targets and Indicators

The CTI-CFF Seascape Working Group is a working group developed by the six (6) Member Countries of Coral Triangle to help implement Goal 1 of the CTI-CFF Regional Plan of Action, Priority Seascapes Designated and Effectively Managed. The role of this working group is to regulate all activities including programs and projects in the CTI-CFF related to the Priority Seascape and established the Priority Seascapes.

The CTI-CFF Seascape Working Group members of 2021 - 2022 are as follows: