The Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region is rich in wildlife, including mangroves that make up 25% of the world’s total and include 45 different species. These mangroves are crucial for many marine animals like reef fish and turtles and help protect shores from erosion and climate change effects. Beyond their environmental role, these mangroves are also key to the livelihoods of coastal communities, showing how people’s well-being is closely linked to the health of natural habitats.

To safeguard the ecological richness of the ATS region, the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project employs Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) strategies, emphasising the conservation of the region’s natural resources. These strategies balance the need to protect mangroves with the development goals of coastal communities, promoting their sustainable use. The project encourages cooperation between governments, groups, and communities to make mangroves stronger against environmental dangers and improve people’s lives through actions like planting more mangroves and supporting sustainable fishing. This approach highlights the project’s goal to ensure that human activities and the region’s marine life can thrive together sustainably.

World Wetlands Day, observed on February 2nd, highlights the theme “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing,” emphasising the indispensable role of wetlands in maintaining ecological balance and supporting human health. This occasion serves as a moment to reflect on the critical function of ecosystems such as mangroves, from the verdant forests of Rote Ndao District in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province to the diverse habitats within the Aru Archipelago District, Maluku, Indonesia. These stories not only illustrate the crucial link between wetland conservation and human well-being but also advocate for the urgent need to preserve these ecosystems to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for all generations.

Exploring Community-led Mangrove Conservation in Daiama Village

In June 2023, the ATSEA-2 team visited Daiama Village in Rote Ndao District, showcasing the community’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability and economic resilience. Led by locals like Novika Tupu (Mama Novi) and Steven Mesah (Om Steven), the visit highlighted the village’s innovative mangrove conservation efforts. These initiatives not only aim to protect marine ecosystems but also to improve the livelihoods of the local community through sustainable practices.

Mama Novi has been leading a community group called “Dale Esa” and transformed it into the innovative Mangrove Coffee Project, blending traditional skills with new conservation methods. This project not only aims to diversify the economy but also to increase the value of mangroves beyond just protecting the environment. “This could change our village’s economy and make more people aware of the importance of mangroves,” says the community, highlighting the potential for this project to improve Daiama’s economic and ecological landscape.

This initiative reflects the untapped economic potential of mangroves, brought to light through the ATSEA-2 project’s comprehensive training. Aiming for certification from Agency for Drug and Food Control (Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan – BPOM), Mama Novi articulates, “The ATSEA-2 training has been instrumental in unlocking mangroves’ hidden potential for our community. Awaiting BPOM certification, we anticipate boosting our community’s income,” showcasing a strategic approach to community-led economic development.

Om Steven’s leadership of the “Mulut Seribu” Pokmaswas, a community-based environmental surveillance group, complements Mama Novi’s efforts by emphasising sustainable environmental practices and combating illegal activities that jeopardise marine life. His stewardship is characterised by significant ecological engagement, notably the planting of over 13,000 mangrove seedlings, which underscores a deep commitment to marine ecosystem health. “Government support and targeted training have propelled us into meaningful environmental action,” Om Steven reflects, underscoring the vital role of community vigilance in conservation.

The collaboration between Mama Novi and Om Steven epitomises a dynamic model of community leadership that seamlessly integrates economic innovation with environmental conservation. Their collective endeavours not only highlight the economic valorization of mangroves through sustainable use but also underscore the importance of environmental protection led by community vigilance and engagement.

The ATSEA-2 project has been working together with various stakeholders to support the community in Daiama Village in enhancing their capacity for sustainable natural resource management. By offering training, enabling discussions with governmental bodies, and fostering the development of alternative livelihoods, the project ensures the effectiveness and sustainability of Daiama’s conservation efforts.

Empowering Communities for a Sustainable Future

The ATSEA-2 project’s contribution to Daiama’s environmental and economic transformation underscores the importance of empowering communities through conservation. By facilitating access to essential resources and fostering dialogue, the project underscores the effectiveness of community-led actions in achieving sustainable environmental outcomes.

Daiama Village’s transition from traditional livelihoods to pioneering initiatives like mangrove coffee production exemplifies the transformative impact of community-led conservation. Highlighted by the ATSEA-2 project, Daiama’s story offers profound insights into how integrated community efforts can significantly contribute to global environmental goals, ensuring the long-term vitality of mangrove ecosystems and community well-being.

Revealing the Rich Mangrove Ecosystems on Enu and Karang Islands, Aru Archipelago

Shifting the story exploration from the southernmost point of Indonesia, Rote Ndao, the journey of community engagement and the ATSEA-2 Project’s commitment to mangrove conservation continues towards the Aru Archipelago District in Maluku, particularly in the Southeast Aru Marine Protected Area (MPA). We are going to see the project’s journey and dedication to safeguarding the rich biodiversity of the area, fostering a collaborative spirit among local communities for the stewardship of their natural heritage. The Southeast Aru MPA is made up of islands like Enu, Karang, Djeh, Maar, Jin, and Jeudin, creating a network rich in biodiversity. These islands are important for their combined environmental roles and their contribution to biodiversity conservation.

Enu and Karang Islands are home to various mangrove species, such as Xylocarpus moluccensis, which grow tall and wide. These mangroves are valuable to the local people, providing materials for fuel, boat building, net preservation, medicine, and more. They also support mud crab populations, offering shelter and food which benefits the communities, especially in Apara Village, where crab fishing is a productive activity. The health of these mangrove ecosystems is important for both nature and the people living near them. Efforts from the ATSEA-2 Project and other groups to monitor and support these areas are key to their ongoing health. The goal is to work together to keep these ecosystems thriving for the long term.

Research Expedition in the Southeast Aru MPA

In November 2023, Muh. Adinda Zhadeka Al Gozali from the National Marine Conservation Office (Balai Kawasan Konservasi Perairan Nasional – BKKPN) Kupang led a detailed research expedition into the Southeast Aru MPA, focusing on the Aru Archipelago’s rich mangrove diversity across a 114,000-hectare conservation zone. Despite initial plans to study 11 locations, logistical challenges prompted a reduction to nine sites. However, this adjustment did not detract from the expedition’s ability to explore the unique challenges of the region, from navigating crocodile-populated areas to respecting sacred local traditions.

The research adopted a methodical approach, standardising data collection across each site with precise measurements of mangrove canopy coverage, structural integrity, and biodiversity, including species identification and tree metrics. This comprehensive analysis extended to evaluating environmental pressures, such as pollution from household waste and fishing activity, alongside water quality assessments, to offer a holistic understanding of the mangrove ecosystems’ condition.

This initiative aimed to continuously monitor the Southeast Aru MPA’s biodiversity, enabling the early detection of ecological shifts, threats to species, and the need for conservation measures. Through diligent observation and analysis, the project seeks to maintain the integrity of the mangrove habitats, contributing to the ecological balance and long-term sustainability of the region.

Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Nature’s Magnificence

Researching the Southeast Aru MPA brought unique challenges and moments of awe. The team had to be cautious around Djeh Island’s crocodiles and respectful of Jeudin Island’s sacred sites. Despite these challenges, the area’s stunning natural beauty, with its lush mangroves and diverse marine life, stood out. These ecosystems are vital for the region’s sea life, including crabs and mollusks.

To protect these beautiful but fragile ecosystems, it’s important to keep educating and involving local communities in conservation efforts. Working together to create better conservation plans is key to preserving the Aru Archipelago’s natural environment and addressing future environmental challenges.

The journey from Rote Ndao to the Southeast Aru MPA tells a powerful tale of empowerment and environmental preservation. Through efforts like the ATSEA-2 initiative, local communities have been equipped with vital knowledge and resources to protect their natural heritage, underscoring the principle that the key to successful conservation lies in local stewardship. This model highlights the critical role of community-led initiatives in maintaining the mangroves of the ATS region, essential not only for biodiversity but also for the prosperity of the communities that depend on them.

By Stella Yovita Arya Puteri