The regional assessment of climate change vulnerability provided the foundation for understanding and mainstreaming climate considerations into local planning and management. However, the results cannot be easily downscaled or localised to provide location-specific information. Therefore, the Guide for Facilitators (the Guide) was developed to provide clear steps and tools for practitioners to facilitate a community process that draws on the regional results to inform local management and planning.
In this study, we provide the first iteration of an MPA network design for the ATS Region, which is an important first step in the four ATS countries collaborating on this important initiative. While there are many existing or proposed MPAs in the Arafura and Timor Seas, they were not designed to form a network at the regional scale. Therefore, there is a need for the four countries in the ATS Region to work together to design a regional scale MPA network.
This summary for Timor-Leste is based on the results of a regional climate change vulnerability assessment conducted as part of Phase 2 of the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action project (ATSEA-2). The assessment focused on marine and coastal ecosystems in the ATS region, and results provide details on the vulnerability of marine and coastal habitats, species of conservation interest and marine species important for fisheries in the region.
In consultation with the ATSEA-2 Regional Project Management Unit (RPMU), 26 sea turtle experts with a thorough understanding of sea turtle status and conservation in the ATS region from Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste were identified and invited to attend the workshop. The experts were affiliated with NGOs, Academia, or Government, warranting that conservation needs and requirements were addressed from various angles of accountability.
The draft of the sea turtle Regional Action Plan (RAP) was consulted at national and regional levels to gather inputs from the government and other key stakeholders of the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) countries. The development of this draft was done in concert with the development of a status report of sea turtles in the ATS region. The draft of sea turtle RAP is envisioned to address the threats with priority actions for the period of 2021-2026.
The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase 2 (ATSEA-2) project commissioned the development of a Guide for Facilitators and Decision-Makers (the Guide). The Guide is for government and NGOs to assist communities to apply regional climate change information to develop a local community action plan.
This study offers a unique approach to quantifying law enforcement capabilities, by calculating losses avoided through the apprehension of both domestic and foreign vessels. Covering a period spanning five years (2015-2019), these data relate to apprehended vessels (whether processed by the court or subsequently released), while also touching on various other relevant issues besides IUU fishing in RPOA-IUU-participating countries.
A clear understanding of population status is necessary for the development of targeted and prioritised management and conservation action. This status review will serve as the basis for the development of a focussed management strategy for the four countries that border the Arafura and Timor Seas (Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste). Cognisant of the existence of National management and/ or recovery plans, management initiatives embedded in international agreements, and traditional indigenous management plans, the outcomes of this present initiative are to focus on the immediate timeframe (3-5 years) and pressing conservation intervention needs that will safeguard sea turtle populations in the ATS region.
From 2-3 November 2022, the GEF/UNDP/PEMSEA ATSEA-2 Project held the 4th Regional Steering Committee (RSC) Meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG). The main objectives of the 4th RSC Meeting were to review the progress of regional and national components, in line with the implementation of Annual Work Plan (AWP) 2022 and to agree on ways forward, including review and approval of a proposed Work Plan and Budget for 2023 for the regional and national components. Finally, the RSC noted the NPB approved 2022 progress reports and the NPB approved 2023 annual work plans and budgets of the beneficiary countries and approved their project extensions to December 2024. The RSC also approved the regional annual work plan and budget for 2022.
The GEF/UNDP/PEMSEA ATSEA-2 Regional Steering Committee (RSC) met virtually on 15 August 2022 to review the findings and recommendations of the Project Midterm Review (MTR) as well as to review and adopt the proposed management response to the MTR.
Overall, the meeting received and clarified some aspects of the MTR review, including the key project progress from 2019 to mid-2022, gaps and challenges, and key findings, assessment and recommendations. Based on the recommendations, the meeting reviewed and agreed in principle on the proposed management response or actions on the 17 MTR recommendations.
This marine- and land-based pollution study was conducted cooperatively between UNDP Timor-Leste and Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries from both the National Capital and Municipalities of Timor-Leste. This study has laid the groundwork for the preparation of Pollution Control Plans as part of the Integrated Coastal Management Plans for Barique and other locations on the Southern Coast. It has also made recommendations that we can implement to fill the legislative gaps, support international agreements to reduce marine plastic pollution, and reduce IUU fishing using Coastal Rangers from local communities, and by monitoring satellite data from Global Fishing Watch.
This study is part of the Regional ATSEA-2 project and was designed to assess the extent and impact of marine pollution on fisheries and livelihoods in Timor-Leste. This is in response to growing concerns that pollution from sedimentation, plastic waste, and derelict fishing gear has been destroying marine habitats (corals, mangroves, and seagrass) and endangering marine life.
This Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) Plan is developed in partnership with MAF and UNDP to improve the management of red snapper fisheries in the Timor Seas region of Timor-Leste. The plan was created through a participatory consultative process conducted throughout 2021, with inputs provided by more than 50 contributors from national and sub-national fisheries agencies, communities, fishers, scientists and non-government organisations.
In spite of the myriad challenges posed by the global pandemic, 2021 was a year of significant progress for ATSEA-2. This report presents key progress and accomplishments in the implementation of the ATSEA-2 Project in 2021, highlighting how it has been actively engaging officials, communities and fishers on the frontline of the issues addressed, facilitating communication between all parties and empowering them to lead the way moving forward.
Representing efforts with a diverse range of stakeholders and contributors, this report is both an indication of progress and an illustration of shared responsibility – a statement of intent that we are stronger, and better, together.
This working document outlines the known bio-physical and socio-economic characteristics of the PNG EEZ that lies within the Arafura Sea, focussing on the South Fly along the south-westernmost PNG coastline and nearshore waters.
It also investigates available information and the status of the marine species of interest within the ecosystems of the South Fly. This is to inform future actions in improving the ecosystem health through the implementation of an ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM), that includes these species with the fisheries of the South Fly. These actions will offer alternative, climate adaptive, livelihood opportunities and strengthening the resilience of local coastal communities.
This report confirms basic ideas and strategies in relation to climate change vulnerability, ecological and socio-economic conditions in two villages (Uma Boco and Aubeon) in Sub-District of Barique. The report describes the principal issues and challenges in sustaining the various and valuable economic activities of coastal communities in two villages above-mentioned. The report will also come-up with some recommendations ways to organize marine and coastal environmental management and conservation programs. It aims at conserving and preventing coastal biological diversity through encouragement of local people to reduce negative impacts of the marine and coastal resources.
This report shows basic strategies and methods that can be used in implementing ICM programs to manage marine and coastal resources in an integrated and in acceptable way in Timor-Leste. The report also conceptualizes the main challenges in sustaining the various and valuable economic activities around coastal areas that are based upon living fisheries resources and recommend ways and approaches to manage marine/coastal biodiversity through ICM programs.
Valuation of ecosystem services in this report presents results mainly from fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, wood/timber and blue carbon. Data for this report were obtained mainly through desk studies and analyses of data sets supplied from field stations. Large data sets, especially spatial data, were obtained from Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN). Other data were collected from various sources, including national and local government reports, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, and published research papers.
Under the auspices of the GEF/UNDP/PEMSEA ATSEA-2 Project, CTC and YKAN facilitated technical training on database and information management system using several tools (i.e. spatial data processing tool using QGIS and biodiversity data collection using participatory mapping tools and Android Based Apps (Kobo Tool-Box).
This report provides information on the condition of marine ecosystems, community utilisation patterns and findings of unique marine biota in the SAP area to support the process of reviewing zones within the area and contribute to better, more efficient management of the area.
The Atlas combines information gathered from field assessments conducted by ATSEA-2 teams in Merauke, Aru and Rote Ndao, collating information from available biodiversity and geospatial databases. It presents a wealth of information at the regional level: oceanographic conditions of the ATS region; distribution of essential coastal ecosystems and their corresponding species in the ATS region; distribution and habitats of Endangered, Threatened and Protected (ETP) species in the ATS region; fisheries resources potential and existing fishing grounds found in the ATS region; environmental threats faced by the ATS region, including climate change potential, habitat destruction, threats to marine species and marine pollution; and existing and potential MPAs in the ATS region.
The study about ecosystem service and value of primary ecosystem will help the stakeholder to communicate about how important the protection of coastal ecosystem in this area. Therefore, this study was aims to estimate the total value of ecosystem service produce by coastal ecosystems in southeast Aru.
The study about ecosystem service and value of primary ecosystem will help the MPA manager to communicate about how important the protection of mangrove ecosystem surrounds MPA. Therefore, this study was aims to estimate the total value of ecosystem service produce by mangroves surrounds SAP P. Kolepom.
This report reviews the biophysical and oceanographical characteristics of the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region which make it an ideal habitat for many charismatic marine species, including sea turtles, marine mammals, sharks and birds.
This report outlines a regional profile of coastal/marine ecosystems in the ATS region, with particular focus on the ecological and socio-cultural aspects of their connectivity. There are many important factors to consider, such as shallow water and deep sea habitats, oceanography and customary areas, each of which provides its own unique set of benefits to the ATS region and helps to define its character.
ATSEA-2 Programme conducted a marine gap analysis by considering existing and proposed MPAs and Areas of Interest (AOIs) in each of the four countries, using the best available science, data and MPA design practices (i.e., Marxan MPA network design criteria) to identify gaps in the regional MPA network.
In this report, we outline the main steps for designing an MPA network in the ATS region.
The objectives of the consultations were to validate or refine spatial data on coastal and marine resources, including key ecosystems and species; to update key stakeholders in ATS countries on the MPA network design draft document, which is a roadmap for developing an MPA network and regional sea turtle action plan; and to gather inputs and advice from each country in relation to these documents.
This study is designed to ensure the participation of women and men with equal voice, which is in line with the gender equality and social inclusion strategies, guidance and standards of both UNDP and GEF. Despite project gains, there is a need for a more comprehensive GESI Analysis for the entire region. A series of field surveys were conducted in the 3 countries – Indonesia, Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea.
This report was developed to identify gender inequality issues opportunities to address the gender related barriers specific to the project’s proposed activities in Aru Islands Regency, such as barriers to women’s and girl’s participation in fisheries, decision making and capacity building.
This report was developed to identify gender inequality issues opportunities to address the gender related barriers specific to the project’s proposed activities in Rote Ndao Regency, such as barriers to women’s and girl’s participation in fisheries, decision making and capacity building.
ATSEA-2 has developed a “Guide for Decision-Makers: Using Regional Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment” for communities to use regional climate change information to develop a participatory adaptation and management plan. Kertabumi has been commissioned by ATSEA-2 to test the Guide in Oeseli village, Rote Ndao to explore relevancy and effectiveness of it. This community action plan was developed through a participatory approach to create effective and relevant climate change adaptations that can support sustainable habitats, species and livelihoods of the people.
This capacity development plan is based on the stakeholder analysis and capacity assessment that was conducted for the ATSEA-2 project in Papua New Guinea. The assessment identified the relevant stakeholders, their potential roles in the implementation of the project and achievement of outcomes, and capacity needs of these stakeholders. The plan also determines the capacity strengths and weaknesses of the stakeholders for their roles.
The purpose of this report is to determine the current capacity of the stakeholders that will make up the SPF (Stakeholder Partnership Forum) of the ATSEA-2 Programme of the South Fly in PNG.
This working document scopes the foundational activity of a functioning regional governance mechanism, to be endorsed through a Ministerial Declaration by the four littoral countries of Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste, and supported by a representative Stakeholder Partnership Forum (SPF) and National Inter-ministerial Committee (NIMC).
This guidance document was developed to accompany the regional assessment report and support transitioning the ATSEA-2 program into an active regional mechanism. An assessment of costs and benefits of operationalizing an organization for regional cooperation is provided, and other considerations for ATS countries that are relevant to the establishment of different elements for the proposed regional mechanism are also discussed.
Building on the results of desk review, online interviews and questionnaire, and webinar consultations, this assessment puts forward a proposed regional mechanism and recommendations to facilitate informed decision-making on the final collaborative mechanism for the ATS region.
The Consultative Meeting on the Regional Stakeholder Partnership Forum (SPF) was conducted on December 20, 2021 through a hybrid mechanism. Through breakout group discussions, several suggestions were put forward which will then feed into the ongoing refinements and finalization of the SPF TOR and Guidelines.
This report pertains focuses on the development of National Inter-Ministry Committees (NIMCs) to Support Arafura and Timor Seas Governance in Indonesia.
This paper attempts to compile and review the practices of fisheries co-surveillance in Arafura-Timor Seas.
This paper attempts to compile and review the national level regulations supplemented with recommendations for better RPOA-IUU work plan implementation, focusing on the Sub-Group Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) littoral nations, namely Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste.
This report aims to identify efforts that should be taken by the ATS littoral states (Australia, Indonesia, PNG, and Timor-Leste) in ensuring their effective participation in the GRI.
This study aims to compile a profile of barramundi fisheries in the Merauke Regency, including information on fishing gear and fishing vessels, fishermen, fishing operations, fishing areas and seasons, and fishing efforts.
This study aims to compile a profile of shrimp fisheries in the Aru Islands Regency, including information on fishing gear and fishing vessels, fishermen, fishing operations, fishing areas and seasons, and fishing efforts.
This fish consumption and value chains field survey was conducted to estimate the current levels of fish consumption in Aru Islands and Merauke regencies which are located in the eastern part of Indonesia.
This study aimed at identifying potential fisheries business plan for local sustainable livelihood in Aru Islands and Merauke regency.
The information underpinning all of the fisheries was collected throughout the term of the project. Information collected aligns to the three pillars of EAFM: Ecological wellbeing, human wellbeing, and effective governance.
This strategy document has been developed under the auspices of the ATSEA-2 project to advance rights-based management (RBM) approaches to fisheries management throughout the region.
This report pertains focuses on the development of an ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) plan for Red Snapper in the ATS region and the training of key stakeholders and fishery managers as EAFM experts and trainers.
This report elaborates the desk-based research and outreach to project partners to construct an initial, comprehensive list of fishery stakeholders categorized by location, sector, and role.
Full proceedings of the Third Regional Steering Committee (RSC) meeting of the GEF/UNDP/PEMSEA Project on the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Program Phase 2 (ATSEA-2) held on 6 – 7 December 2021.
A number of projects in the ATS region have provided foundational baseline information on ecosystems in the region and the communities that depend on them, as well as potential climate change impacts. This report provides a review of available climate data and projections for the ATS region, and a selection of data for inputting to the vulnerability assessment.
Click here to download the report.
This report delved into identifying the sources of pollution and hotspots using DPSIR framework and interviews on pollution perception of the coastal residents of Rote Ndao Regency. While desktop research on the Regency produced meaningful information for pollution hotspot analysis, interviews conducted by the 20 Indonesian surveyors resulted in key findings on sources and residents’ perception on pollution.
Click here to download the report.
Since 2019, the ATSEA Program Phase II expounded on the findings of the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) to resolve various issues in the region through the implementation of the SAP. This report was developed as a part of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) implementation to identify pollution hotspots in the region.
Click here to download the report.
A summary of the ATSEA-2 programme, with information on the background of the project, issues that the ATS is facing, programme goals and objectives, as well as a summary of the expected outcomes.
To learn more about ATSEA-2 Programme,
A range of activities are planned or currently underway in Indonesia, based in sites where the three main components of the ATSEA-2 Programme can make a difference to local conservation and livelihood issues, while also contributing to wider impacts across the ATS region.
To learn more about ATSEA-2 Programme in Indonesia,
In Papua New Guinea, ATSEA-2 is working in South Fly District, Western Province, where ATSEA-2 will adopt an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM), comprising an artisanal fisheries management plan and the initial implementation of rights-based management in the region.
To learn more about ATSEA-2 Programme in Papua New Guinea,
In Timor-Leste, ATSEA-2 is based in several municipalities, where a range of projects will be initiated. These activities will include the strengthening of existing Marine Protected Areas (MPA), while also designating a new MPA and promoting alternative livelihoods for the communities that live and work in these locations. A variety of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) plans will be developed and implemented, focusing on alternative livelihoods and capacity building.
To learn more about ATSEA-2 Programme in Timor-Leste,
This annual report carries the theme of ADAPT, INNOVATE and DELIVER. As 2020 is quite a unique year, this captures how the Project managed to ADAPT with new ways of conducting planning, coordination, and implementation. With guidance from UNDP and PEMSEA, the Project recognized the need to strategize and INNOVATE to keep the project agile. With perseverance and closer coordination, the Project was able to DELIVER good progress and carry on with its mandate.
We hope that you would enjoy reading this report, and may you all be in good health and high spirits as we journey towards another year together.
Download the report here.
The Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) describes policy and institutional initiatives, and capacity development and investments needed to address the priority problems of a transboundary nature identified in the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) for the ATS region.
Click here to download the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS)
The overall objective of the ATS Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) was to identify transboundary priority environmental concerns, their direct and indirect drivers, and impacts on ecosystem services and human well-being. With the TDA as the basis, the objective was also to present practical and implementable proposals for consideration during development of the ATS Strategic Action Programme (SAP).
Click here to download the report.
Fisheries resources in the Arafura Sea Fisheries Management Area have been intensively exploited by industrial scale fishing fleets using fish trawls, shrimp trawls and bottom long lines. Based on data records, interviews and a series of workshops and consultations, this study attempts to estimate IUU in this region.
Click here to download the report.
The Marine Biodiversity Review of the Arafura and Timor Seas is the first publication of the Census of Marine Life (CoML) Indonesia in collaboration with the Agency for Marine and Fisheries Research (AMFR) and the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI). This has been an important endeavor in raising the profile of Arafura and Timor Seas. The richness of its marine biodiversity in this area is tremendous, but yet it needs to be explored more.
Click here to download the report.
This book contain thematic map of coastal ecosystem in the Arafura and Timor Seas.
This report on the biophysical profile of the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region contains overall views on the current condition of the region which discusses and identifies concerns and issues related to the region. The report provides important information and serves as major inputs in the TDA (Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis) process.
Click here to download the report.
This report is structured into two sections. Part A profiles the socio-economic context of the four countries in the ATS region. This includes summaries of demographic characteristics, ethnicity, languages, religion and culture and description of key socio-economic sectors and coastal livelihoods in the region. Part B describes the social, economic and conservation drivers of marine and coastal activity and impacts from environmental degradation. Some key threatening transboundary issues and recommendations are also identified.
Click here to download the report.
This thematic reports is a compilation of documents concerning Project Preparation Grant of The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Program, consists of the following topics:
Click here to download the report.
The second cruise of the ATSEA program was conducted from 30 June to 20 July 2011 aboard the AIMS vessel R/V Solander. The main objective of the expedition was to conduct detailed surveys of the benthos and the water-column within individual reefs of the Sahul Banks off northwestern Australia and along the entire southern coast of Timor-Leste.
Click here to download the report.
The ATSEA cruise is funded partially by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), as part of the TDA – SAP development of the Arafura and Timor Seas. Support from the Indonesia Agency for Marine and Fisheries Research and Development as well as from Indonesian Institute of Science (LIPI) for this cruise, made it possible for the R.V.Baruna Jaya VIII to complete a 17-day voyage covering 23 sampling sites. This has been a tremendous achievement by the scientists involved in the cruise.
Click here to download the report.
SFP started working with North Atlantic and their supplier (PT. Ilufa) to develop the FIP for bottom longline snapper and grouper fisheries in the Arafura, Aru, and Timor Seas in 2011. SFP was involved during the initial scoping and initiation phases of the project.
The Inception Workshop, involving the Project Team and all related stakeholders, was mandated by GEF to be conducted before it could be executed. The main objective of this Inception Workshop are to describe ATSEA Project goals, objectives, outcomes, and project implementation arrangement activities to the project stakeholders; and also to confirm the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting requirements according to UNDP-GEF standard procedures, to the project stakeholders. The ATSEA Inception Workshop was held from 13-14 July, 2010 in Dili, Timor-Leste.
The following document is a technical document summarising a range of legislation that affects the marine environment of the Arafura and Timor Seas. It was produced as part of the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Program a forum funded by the United Nations Global Environment Facility (GEF) for bringing together the littoral nations of the Arafura and Timor Seas to work on transboundary marine issues.
Click here to download the document.
This terminal evaluation was conducted to provide conclusions and recommendations about the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability, and impact of ATSEA-1 Project.
Click here to download the report.
Full proceedings of the second Regional Steering Committee (RSC) meeting of the GEF/UNDP/PEMSEA Project on the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Program Phase 2 (ATSEA-2) held on 25 November 2020.
Full proceedings of the ATSEA-2 Stakeholder Partnership Forum (SPF) Consultative Webinar Series: Building a Better ATS for Tomorrow that was held virtually on 2-5 November 2020.
Full proceedings of the Technical Workshop on Regional and National Thematic Assessments of the GEF/UNDP/PEMSEA Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Program Phase 2 (ATSEA-2) Project.
An infographic of ATSEA-2’s contributions to the UNCLOS, SDG’s and Aichi’s Biodiversity Targets.
Full proceedings of the Intersessional Regional Steering Committee meeting of the GEF/UNDP/PEMSEA on ATSEA-2 project.
The Inception Workshop of the GEF/UNDP Project on Implementation of Arafura and Timor Seas Regional and National Strategic Programs: Second Phase of the Arafura-Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Program (ATSEA 2) was held at the Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia on 18 November 2019.
The Regional Steering Committee Meeting of the GEF/UNDP Project on Implementation of Arafura and Timor Seas Regional and National Strategic Programs: Second Phase of the Arafura-Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Program (ATSEA-2) held at the Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia on 19 November 2019.
