19th June 2021
Timor Leste lies East of the Indonesian archipelago, offering a rich haven for sea life and coral biodiversity around pockets of its costal region.
A survey conducted in 2012 by marine scientists from Conservation International found the island of Atauro in Timor Leste’s Nino Konis Santana National Park teeming with coral and colourful reef fish. The survey expanded scientific knowledge of these waters to protect the uniqueness of over 600 species of reef fish recorded from Ataura along with some new discoveries. The Island sits in the middle of Ombai–Weter straits on the southern edge of the Coral Triangle. Known for reaching depths of up to 3,000 meters with nutrient rich waters attracting several dolphins and whale species including Blue Whales, Dugongs, and three species of sea turtles.
To protect Atauro and its surrounding marine biodiversity, the Government and local communities have established a network of community-managed reserves. Since 2016 up to 12 marine reserves have been established and managed by the community using a traditional custom of Tara Bandu between the people and their natural environment.
Tara Bandu was how Atauro’s ancestors protected natural resources, and resolved social conflicts and spiritual relations,and has seen a resurgence in using traditional conservation methods by the islanders. Tara Bandu is used to enforce prohibition on a resource and translates as the hanging law. When in force a ceremonial symbol is hung from a wooden stake. This customary prohibition can be enforced on a single endangered species or the whole marine reef area.
Applying traditional wisdom Tara Bandu has helped to improve fish health, reef management, and develop marine tourism for the future.
Working alongside Blue Ventures, another conservation group, the people of Atauro are learning using virtual reality technology to see what lies underneath their shores. In this way, the entire community are invested in becoming stewards of the sea.
Blue Ventures have helped islanders to adopt a Homestay community-based model of tourism. It allows visitors to experience local culture and customs and community-led activities using local knowledge, enabling fishing families and others to supplement their income and purchase provisions for guests. This in turn supports the livelihoods for the wider community. For the people of this least visited region, it paves the way for a sustainable local circular economy, embracing the principles of responsible tourism.
To learn more see the following video by Conservation International.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YUYxvAsHGk
