An effective marine management depends on ongoing assessment, strategic decision-making, and collaboration. Recognizing this, the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) recently conducted a Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Workshop to empower local conservation practitioners, marine resource managers, and policymakers with practical skills to enhance marine governance.

Marine ecosystems in Timor-Leste hold some of the richest biodiversity in the Coral Triangle region, supporting fisheries, tourism, and coastal communities. However, challenges such as overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change demand more adaptive and science-based management approaches. This workshop provided participants with internationally recognized tools to assess the effectiveness of conservation efforts and ensure marine spatial planning supports both biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods.

The workshop opened with a deep dive into METT, a widely used assessment framework that helps marine protected area (MPA) managers measure their progress and make data-driven improvements. Through hands-on exercises and case studies, participants learned to evaluate key conservation indicators—from law enforcement effectiveness to stakeholder engagement—and apply adaptive management strategies.

“A protected area is only as strong as its management. METT provides a structured way to assess what’s working and where we need to improve, so we’re not just protecting on paper but making a real impact,” said CTC Portfolio Manager, Wira Sanjaya, who led the session.

On the second day, the focus shifted to Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), an initial document designed to help governments and communities balance conservation with sustainable resource use. Participants explored how MSP can create clear zoning frameworks that support multiple marine activities—from artisanal fishing to tourism—without compromising biodiversity. “Good planning means thinking ahead. MSP helps us make informed decisions so that marine ecosystems can continue to support people’s livelihoods for generations,” Wira added.

Participants, ranging from local conservation groups to government representatives, found the workshop highly relevant to their work. Many emphasized how the case studies and interactive discussions helped bridge theory and practice. “The practical exercises really helped us understand how to apply these tools. Now, we can evaluate and adjust our marine management strategies based on real data,” said Mr. Vicente Sanches Soares, Secretary of the Administrative Authority for the Area of Planning, Investment, and Integrated Development Affairs, Administrative Authority of Atauro.

Another attendee, Mr. Horacio Guterres, Former National Director of Aquaculture, National Coordinating Committee (NCC) noted that collaborating with diverse stakeholders was one of the most valuable aspects of the workshop. “We rarely get the chance to sit down and discuss marine conservation with people from different backgrounds, such as fishers, government officials, and NGOs. This training helped us see the bigger picture and work together more effectively.”

The post-workshop evaluation reflected strong engagement, with participants highlighting the clear structure, hands-on activities, and technical expertise of the facilitators as key strengths. Some suggested more time for interactive sessions in future workshops to further refine their skills.

Beyond individual learning, this workshop represents a larger effort to create meaningful, long-term change in marine conservation. By equipping local practitioners with practical tools like METT and the initial document for MSP, the goal is to protect marine biodiversity today, ensuring  future generations can continue to depend on healthy oceans.

Through continued partnership and knowledge-sharing, CTC remains committed to supporting local communities, strengthening conservation efforts, and ensuring marine ecosystems thrive for years to come.

Writers: Asia Salsabilla, Agostinho Andy, Egidio Boavida.
Photos: CTC/Egidio Boavida