On 10 July 2024, the ATSEA-2 Project, in collaboration with the TAKA Foundation, facilitated a public consultation on the management of a newly proposed Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Manufahi and Manatuto regions of Timor-Leste. Held at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MALFF) office in Dili, the event brought together 47 participants, including fishers, local authorities, NGOs, and government representatives, to ensure a comprehensive approach to marine conservation.

The proposed MPA, which is still in the process of being established, will cover critical coastal and marine habitats from Betano Village in Manufahi Municipality to Aubeon Village in Manatuto Municipality. It aims to balance biodiversity conservation with sustainable human use, addressing critical threats to Timor-Leste’s marine environment. The management plan being developed includes a detailed zoning arrangement, a 20-year management plan, and an initial five-year action plan to protect coastal and marine habitats and conserve key species.

The consultation aimed to gather input from various stakeholders to develop a comprehensive management plan for the MPA. Key discussions focused on several important aspects, including the naming of the MPA. Participants discussed potential names, emphasising the need for a name that resonates with local communities and reflects the area’s cultural and environmental significance. Additionally, the creation of a zoning plan was a major point of discussion, with deliberations centred on developing a zoning strategy to designate specific areas for conservation, sustainable use, and other activities. Further consultations at the village level, with support from national authorities, were considered necessary to ensure the zoning plan aligns with local needs.

Another critical topic was the establishment of regulations for different zones within the MPA. The discussions covered the rules governing what activities are permitted or prohibited in each zone, highlighting the role of community rules and traditional practices. The importance of forming a dedicated MPA management team was also emphasised, as it is crucial to monitor, control, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the protected area. Lino de Jesus Martins, the national director, noted, “Success in conservation comes from the community,” underscoring the vital role of community engagement in the effective management of MPAs.

Participants, including community members and fishers, shared their insights and experiences during the consultation. Julio Franco Sarmento, a fisher from Aubeon Village, spoke about the local community’s deep connection with the sea and the importance of sustainable practices. He shared, “Learning how to fish sustainably and cope with bad weather not only protects our lives but also secures our livelihoods.” Sarmento also highlighted efforts to diversify income sources, such as producing dried fish, a project managed by the fishers’ wives that has brought additional revenue since 2019. He emphasised the need for mutual respect and cooperation among villages to protect natural resources, stating, “If we protect what we have, our resources will be preserved, which can boost our economy, as many of us depend on natural resources for food and trade.” He expressed hope that future government and organisational support would also focus on providing essential fishing equipment, such as boats, to improve the fishers’ livelihoods.

The consultation also addressed the significance of traditional practices and community-led initiatives in managing the MPA. The TAKA Foundation and other participants underscored the need for continued field updates and the development of a detailed management plan. A representative from TAKA mentioned, “The process is still long, but with input from all stakeholders, we can refine the management and zoning plans.” Future collaboration was encouraged to ensure that the MPA serves both environmental and community needs.

The public consultation sought to achieve several key outcomes, including reaching a consensus among stakeholders on the essential elements of the management plan, such as zoning, conservation strategies, and sustainable use policies. Successfully integrating feedback from stakeholders into the final management plan is crucial to ensuring that it reflects the needs and priorities of local communities. Moreover, establishing and reinforcing collaborative relationships among stakeholders is essential for promoting a cooperative approach to MPA management.

The public consultation for the proposed new management plan of the Manufahi-Manatuto MPA marks a significant step towards marine conservation in Timor-Leste. The feedback and insights gathered will help shape a robust strategy that promotes conservation while supporting the livelihoods of local communities. Future consultations and continued stakeholder engagement will be key to achieving these goals. By fostering collaboration and ensuring comprehensive stakeholder engagement, the ATSEA-2 Project aims to develop a robust management plan that promotes sustainable use and conservation of marine resources, ensuring the long-term health and resilience of the region’s marine ecosystems.

By Stella Puteri