29 Dec Strengthening Marine Protected Areas in the Banda Islands

On December 13, 2016, the Governor of Maluku signed a decree declaring CTC’s Learning Sites – Ay and Rhun Islands Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – under the Province’s jurisdiction. This marks the first time that the management of district level MPA has been transferred to the Provincial Government since a law was passed in 2014 mandating that all district-level MPAs be handed over to provincial authorities. The new decree, which covers 40,000 hectares, further strengthens the legal framework and will contribute to stronger MPA management effectiveness in the Banda Islands.