1. Arafura and Timor Seas Region
Map of Arafura Timor Seas
Arafura and Timor Seas Region
Expected
Shared regional strategy adopted by 14 countries.
Regional level: addressing policy and management interventions targeting priority transboundary issues among countries of the region (e.g., climate change; natural and manmade hazards; biodiversity loss and degradation; pollution (nutrients; plastics); water supply; food security; sustainable livelihoods)
National level: developing and operationalizing national ocean policy, harmonizing national legislation in support of integrated management of coasts and oceans, and building/strengthening institutional mechanisms and processes to plan and implement ocean policy, legislation and programmes.
Local level: improving governance and management of coastal and marine areas and resources within the respective areas of authority of local governments, and promoting and facilitating “blue economy” investments in support of sustainable development targets and objectives

2. Expected achievements of ATSEA 2
A functioning regional governance mechanism
Approximately 125 km of coastline under integrated coastal management
Up to 25% of over-exploited fisheries in the ATS region moved to more sustainable levels
Improved scientific knowledge regarding climate change impacts on ATS and strengthened adaptive capacity of local communities
Ecosystem health improved as a result of implementing the ecosystem approach
Improved fisheries management of red snapper and shrimp fisheries
Design and designation of two new marine protected areas (MPAs)
Inclusion of oil spill response systems and procedures
Design of a regional MPA network, and a regional action plan on enhanced protection of endangered marine turtles endorsed through Ministerial Declaration