Building on the momentum from the initial zoning socializations in Makili Village of Atauro Island in March and April 2025, CTC and its partners continued to support the launch of Tara Bandu, a traditional customary law used to manage natural resources sustainably. Our support included pre-event preparations such as organizing the event structure, selecting the location, and installing boundary markers, as well as providing assistance during the event itself. The preparation process actively involved the Makili local community, fostering their participation and ownership. Their enthusiasm and strong support for implementing Tara Bandu reflect a deep-rooted commitment to protecting Atauro Island MPA’s marine ecosystems.

Tara Bandu, an ancestral law deeply embedded in Timorese culture, functions as a communal agreement that restricts or prohibits harmful practices to safeguard natural resources. In the context of marine conservation, Tara Bandu empowers communities to enforce locally agreed rules on fishing practices and zoning, promoting accountability and long-term sustainability. CTC, together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MALFF), Atauro Island Authority, the Roman Luan Foundation, and the Atauro Island MPA Management Unit, by socializing the zoning system, providing zone markers, and preparing for the official launch of Tara Bandu in Makili Village.

The official customary inauguration of Tara Bandu in Makili Village was held on June 3, 2025, and was featured key ceremonial activities, beginning with remarks from officials such as the President of the Atauro Administrative Authority, the Makili Village Chief, CTC, and the General Director of Fisheries. It also attended by a representative from MALFF, the Village Chief of Makili, the Roman Luan Foundation, Policia Nasional Timor-Leste, Falintil-Forsa Defeza Timor Leste, church leaders, traditional leaders, and the wider Atauro community. Following the opening speeches, the program continued with the signing of the Tara Bandu Regulations, the symbolic handover of buoys, and a traditional inauguration led by the village’s customary leader, who conducted a ritual to honor the sea and nature. As part of local tradition, the ceremony concluded with the hanging of animal horns, symbolizing the community’s commitment to uphold Tara Bandu.

Prior to the Tara Bandu ceremony, CTC conducted a two-day outreach program for youth from May 26–28, 2025, reaching 157 students from two middle schools and the Atauro High School of Fisheries. With support from the local youth conservation group Lenuk Tasi, the program emphasized the importance of marine biodiversity, sustainable practices, and the role of community-based laws like Tara Bandu in protecting marine life. The sessions also featured interactive discussions and educational games that made the learning process engaging and relevant for students living in coastal communities.

The initiative was met with praise from the President of the Atauro Administrative Authority, who recognized the vital role of youth in conservation. This expanding outreach reflects CTC’s comprehensive approach to marine conservation, fostering stewardship not only among community leaders but also among the younger generation who will carry these practices into the future. Together, these efforts highlight the powerful blend of indigenous wisdom and inclusive education as foundational elements in Atauro Island MPA’s journey toward sustainable marine resource management.

Writers: Adam Putra, Marthen Welly, Ernestina Andrade, Egidio Boavida

Photos: Ernestina Andrade/CTC, Egidio Boavida/CTC