The 4th International Conference on Integrated Coastal Management & Marine Biotechnology (ICMMBT) organised on 12 and 13 September 2023 in Bali, Indonesia. The conference provided a global platform for the exchange of practical solutions, innovative approaches and cutting-edge research in coastal and ocean management and governance.
Located in the South Aru sub-district of Indonesiaโs Aru Archipelago, Lutur Village (known locally as Nata Lutur) is approximately 3-4 hours by boat from Dobo. En route to the village, coconut trees line the coastal roads and fill the villagersโ gardens. These trees, and the coconuts they produce, are a similarly prominent feature in the local economic landscape.
Throughout generations, coastal and marine resources have been a lifeline for local communities, who have consistently employed sustainable and wise practices. This can be witnessed in Viqueque, Timor-Leste, one of the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Projectโs working areas.
Started in 2019,ย ATSEA-2 is the second phase of the Arafura & Timor Seas Ecosystem Action (ATSEA) Programme; a regional partnership involving the Governments of Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea, with the support of the Australian Government. This group works to devise and implement solutions to the most important transboundary marine issues facing the region.
Our primary aim is to conserve the biodiversity of the Arafura and Timor seas for the overall health of the ocean and the livelihoods of the communities who depend on it for survival. We also work to ensure the networks supporting these resources and revenues are operated efficiently, fairly and sustainably.
Our objective: to ensure the sustainable management and usage of living coastal and marine resources
Our goal: to sustain the flow of ecosystem goods and services from the Arafura and Timor Seas
From conserving natural ecosystems to empowering local fisheries and securing regional supply chains, the ATSEA-2 Programme sets out to ensure that coastal and marine resources are protected.
We are working in three countries in the ATS region: Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea. In Indonesia, our sites are located in Aru District, Maluku Province; Merauke District, Papua Province; and Rote Ndao District, East Nusa Tenggara Province. In Timor-Leste, our sites can be found mainly on the south coast, in the Suai, Manufahi, Manatuto, Viqueque and Lautem Municipios, respectively. Lastly, in Papua New Guinea, ATSEA-2 is operating in the South Fly District of the Western Province.
ATSEA Grievance Redress Mechanism
ATSEA highly values Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), which acts as a vital tool for communication and conflict resolution with stakeholders and partners. It ensures prompt and confidential handling of concerns and complaints related to the ATSEA-2 Project’s impact on individualsโ and groups’ rights. Anyone affected, including project beneficiaries and the public, are encouraged to submit feedback. The GRM’s primary focus is to address complaints, promote transparency, and facilitate issue resolution.
