Following the successful initial socialization of the Atauro Island Marine Protected Area (MPA) zoning systems in Makili Village last month, CTC and its partners continued their outreach with two follow-up events held in the Makili sub-villages. On April 9, 2025, the team visited Maumeta and Maulaku, engaging 75 community members and local authorities. The sessions reinforced understanding of the MPA regulations, zoning concepts, and Tara Bandu, a customary law vital for sustainable marine resource management. The partners involved included the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MALFF), Roman Luan Foundation, and the Management Unit of Atauro Island MPA.

The momentum continued on April 10, 2025, in the sub-villages of Fatu Lela and Masilihun, with 156 participants from traditional and local authorities in attendance. The community welcomed the socializations with enthusiasm, demonstrating a clear grasp of the zoning system and Tara Bandu. One notable recommendation during the discussion suggested extending the outreach to students at the Atauro Fisheries Vocational School. Most importantly, the community reached an agreement 100% support for implementing Tara Bandu in Makili, marking a major milestone in community-led conservation.

Next steps have been outlined to strengthen and formalize this commitment. The Makili Village leadership will be responsible for drafting Tara Bandu regulations and deciding on designated zoning locations. CTC will support by providing zone markers and preparing the official Tara Bandu launching. These actions reflect not just continued collaboration but a growing local stewardship for Atauro’s marine ecosystems, blending indigenous wisdom with modern conservation strategies.

Writers: Adam Putra, Marthen Welly, Egidio Boavida
Photos: Egidio Boavida/CTC