23 Dec Engaging Marine conservation Outreach and MPA Awareness in Timor-Leste
CTC successfully completed a series of impactful outreach activities titled “Diskusaun Konservasaun” (Conservation Discussion), promoting awareness and engagement in marine conservation across Timor-Leste. On November 5, 2024, the program hosted at the CTC office in Dili featured Lenuk Tasi, as a guest speaker from a youth group focused on sea turtle conservation. The discussion focused on “Youth Initiatives in Sea Turtle Conservation,” complemented by a presentation on CTC’s ongoing work. The event brought together 15 enthusiastic participants from various youth groups involved in marine and environmental protection. The interactive session allowed participants to explore CTC’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) concept and engage in meaningful dialogue about its implementation.
Continuing the momentum, another outreach session took place on November 15, 2024, with 15 participants from youth and volunteer groups. The focus was on “Advocating for Cetacean Conservation through Photography” with guest speaker Mr. Potenzo Lopes sharing his experiences and emphasizing ethical practices when photographing marine animals. The session was vibrant and interactive. Through this session, CTC also provided insights into the organization’s work and the MPA framework. This initiative highlighted the importance of balancing conservation efforts with responsible tourism and documentation practices.
“This program has significantly enhanced my knowledge and skills in new areas while connecting me with inspiring young people from diverse backgrounds who shared their experiences and ideas. I also learned about the critical role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in conserving biodiversity, increasing fish populations, and protecting marine ecosystems, and I hope more programs like this will be offered in the future,” said Zelia, one of the participants.
On November 25, 2024, the third session of “Diskusaun Konservasaun” brought together 23 participants, including representatives from three volunteer groups and the University of Timor Oriental. This session focused on “The Importance of Establishing and Managing Marine Protected Areas in Timor-Leste,” rooted in CTC’s concept. The participants showed high levels of interest and engagement, proposing future sessions to explore deeper into marine conservation topics, especially those related to MPAs. This event underscored the critical role of local communities and youth in shaping sustainable conservation efforts in the region.
On December 5, 2024, we wrapped up the session with the topic “The Whale Season in Timor – Challenges and Opportunities for Economic Growth.” The guest speaker from a non-profit organization, Association of Marine Tourism Timor-Leste, that actively work in the marine tourism sector and have developed guidelines for whale watching, led the discussion. The 16 participants were highly enthusiastic and came from various youth organizations. The discussion was very interactive and marked a special occasion with the presence of CTC’s Executive Director, Rili Djohani, Senior Marine Conservation Adviser, Marthen Welly, and Regional Communications Manager, Leilani Gallardo.
In addition to outreach activities, CTC, in collaboration with Atauro MPA’s management team, successfully installed signboards on November 26, 2024, at two key locations: Beloi and Vila. These signboards serve as vital tools for promoting awareness and providing guidelines about MPA regulations. The seamless execution of this initiative highlights the strength of collaboration among stakeholders, and further installations are planned for Akrema.
These initiatives demonstrate CTC’s commitment to promoting and ensuring the sustainability of Timor-Leste’s marine resources. By engaging local communities and fostering collaboration, CTC continues its efforts to ensure marine conservation is not only understood but actively supported by those who depend on these valuable ecosystems.
Writers: Adam Putra, Marthen Welly, Ernestina Andrade, Agostinho Andy
Photos: Ernestina Andrade/CTC
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