In a significant step toward enhancing the management of the Atauro Island Marine Protected Area (MPA), the Coral Triangle Center (CTC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry (MALFF), the Roman Luan Foundation, the local government of Atauro, and the local community, successfully deployed zoning boundary markers from August 24 to September 7, 2024. This initiative aims to improve marine conservation efforts and create a clearer framework for sustainable resource management in the 13,252-hectare MPA, which includes 12 core zones.

The deployment involved two stages: first, casting 22 land boundary markers made from concrete, measuring 100 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 20 cm in depth, and 20 marine boundary buoys anchored using underwater weights measuring 30 cm in height and 50 x 50 cm in width. These markers serve as vital visual cues to ensure that both the local community and visitors understand and adhere to the zoning system designed to protect the island’s rich biodiversity.

A total of 133 participants were involved in the casting process, while 135 individuals participated in the painting and buoy placement activities. Participants included local government officials, church leaders, veterans, coastal community members, and technical teams, demonstrating strong local support for the initiative. Before the deployment, CTC, Roman Luan, and MAF facilitated several meetings with local stakeholders to explain the zoning system, gather input, and ensure the deployment plan reflected the community’s needs.

Joao Alves, a local community leader, expressed his support, stating, “We fully agree with the boundary markers, as they are now also present on land. This helps us protect our resources and educate others about the importance of conservation”. Similarly, community member Jose Gereiro remarked, “Having these markers gives us clarity on where we can fish and what areas to protect, ensuring that our marine life thrives for generations to come”.

The zoning boundary markers are essential for regulating activities such as fishing, tourism, and resource extraction within the protected area. By clearly demarcating these zones, the markers help ensure the sustainable use of marine resources while preserving Atauro’s diverse marine ecosystems for future generations. This activity aligns with CTC’s mission to protect marine biodiversity in the Coral Triangle region, and strengthening the protection of Atauro’s core zones will contribute to the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems, not only in Atauro but also in other marine conservation areas across Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

As a follow-up to the successful deployment, CTC plans to update the President of the Atauro Administrative Authority and hold an official public launch for boundary marking to raise awareness among the public. With the success of the boundary marker deployment in Atauro, CTC will also deploy additional markers in the Samba Sembilan MPA in Liquica, further expanding marine conservation efforts in Timor-Leste. This ongoing commitment signifies a broader regional dedication to enhancing marine protection and ensuring the resilience of marine environments.

Writers: Asia Salsabilla, Marthen Welly, Egidio Antonio Boavida
Photos: Egidio Boavida/CTC