The SACRTF build on existing national and regional efforts and [it's focus on a limited number of priority areas each year in order to maximize the impacts]. Actions under the following broad headings will be refined according to feedback from CRTFs, and used to build out the annual SACRTF work plan.

Communication - Improve, and better coordinate reporting mechanisms nationally and within the region on all coral reef work with the aid of the South Asia MCPA Project website and other media.

Research and Monitoring - Identify the strengths in each country in all aspects of research and monitoring related to coral reefs. Develop a mechanism to ensure knowledge and training is shared and exchanged among the participating countries in accordance with needs.

Policy - Undertake a review of existing policy related to coral reef management and conservation in the region, in collaboration with the SACRTF Patron, and present the findings to authorities to influence the review of existing legislation and policy change at the national level as appropriate.

Fundraising - Raise the profile of coral reef issues, and successful initiatives in the region in order to garner support from donor community and attract funds.

Actively participate and support the formulation and implementation of a regional action strategy, within existing frameworks, to improve cooperative management of coral reefs and associated ecosystems;

Assist in the joint management of transboundary coral reef resources (e.g. GOM large marine ecosystem) through the development of strategic national (private sector, industry NGO), and regional agency linkages;

Assist in the development of science based plans to manage coral reefs, which includes the identification and implementation of MCPAs, and the active advancement of concepts and discussions relating to networks of MCPAs and their potential benefits to South Asia;

Identify existing forums, committees and networks engaged in coral reef management action for the development of strategic partnerships, and in order to commence work from present levels of implementation;

Actively participate and support policy makers and decision makers to develop and implement national coral reef action plans or strategies, through the identification of needs, and capacity gaps in the implementation of existing law sand regulations;

Encourage the establishment of national Coral Reef Task Forces (CRTF), with multi-sector representation, to support the development of local capacity in research, management and government, coordinate communication at the national level, and serve as a platform to share information with regional initiatives;

Provide scientific input and strategic leadership to inform and influence policies, encouraging appropriate planning, the exchange of best practices, and demonstrating effective models within the region and across national boundaries;

Identify funding and other support needed for management, equipment, and capacity building training through national, regional and global contacts, and assist, through the provision of technical advice, in fundraising for coral reefs activities and projects that will benefit the region and individual countries;

Monitor progress of coral reef management actions, to facilitate reporting to governments of SA countries, donors, and other relevant forums. Garner ministerial and governmental support to address issues that arise with the implementation of existing management plans and future management needs;

Actively participate in relevant international fora to raise the profile of the South Asia region within the international community;

Facilitate communication and the dissemination of information for scientific purposes, and support regional and national public awareness raising campaigns to highlight the plight of coral reefs;

Actively support community and gender balance activities and partnerships for sustainable and equitable use of coral resources for increased livelihood security.

Actively support, and advance, where appropriate, the deliverables of the South Asia MCPAProject, funded by the European Union, under which the SACRTF was established.