From September 9-12, 2024, CTC participated in a workshop marking the closing of the Wallacea Partnership Program II, held in Manado, which was facilitated by Burung Indonesia. The event aimed to share lessons learned from each grantee’s projects. During the workshop, representatives from 43 grantee organizations had the opportunity to present their work to public visitors.

Through this grant support, CTC, in collaboration with the Baileo Foundation and the Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (DKP) of Maluku Province, implemented the “Kalesang Dugong” Project. This project aims to protect the endangered dugong (Dugong dugon) and its critical habitat within the Lease Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA).

For nearly 30 years, the population status of this charismatic species in the Lease Islands MPA has remained uncertain, leading to a significant gap in data and information. Through the Kalesang Dugong Project, we updated data on the population and distribution of dugongs and their habitats, including 54 sightings, 22 feeding trails, and eight seagrass species. We used a citizen science approach to complement direct surveys conducted by boats and drones to collect dugong sighting data. This approach has been essential in dugong monitoring by engaging local communities, allowing them to actively contribute to conservation efforts and report valuable data on dugong populations. The data collected was used by MPA managers to develop a strategic management plan for dugong in the Lease Islands MPA.

“The citizen science method and mechanism are very interesting and have successfully encouraged community involvement in reporting dugong sightings at Lease Islands. I am interested in replicating this method and hope that CTC can help support it in our area in Lembata, where, according to local information, dugongs are still frequently seen. However, we have difficulty obtaining data and evidence,” said Benediktus Bedil, Head of the Lembata Community Development Institute (Barakat).

Through this project, we also support the local government in Mahu Village to create a village decree for dugong protection. This village decree is a community-led initiative key for sustainable dugong and seagrass habitat conservation in the village. In addition, capacity building tailor-made for the community is also crucial to increasing their involvement in conservation activities. This success story might be different without the leadership of Ibu Raja Christina Lawalata, a village leader also known as a champion of CTC’s Kalesang Dugong Project. Since taking office in 2021, she has introduced innovative community empowerment programs to improve the welfare of Negeri Mahu.

In addition to the village decree, we also collaborated with several local partners to establish a ‘Bank Sampah’ in Ouw Village within the Lease Islands MPA. This initiative aims to address the plastic waste threatening the seagrass ecosystem, which is a crucial habitat for dugongs.

With more than 3,000 local people engaged in the project through workshops, surveys, monitoring activities, training sessions, and outreach programs, we hope that these efforts will not only benefit the dugongs and their habitat but also the surrounding communities. By raising awareness, we aim to empower local residents to take an active role in protecting these species and their environment.

Writers: Adam Putra, Purwanto, Kasman, Gerald Istia
Photos: Purwanto/CTC, Gerald Istia/CTC, Casper Kuijper