On August 22, 2025, CTC successfully hosted a national workshop to present the study on “Tara Bandu” and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECM) in Timor-Leste. This one-day event was a significant step forward in understanding the traditional tenure system in coastal and marine resource management. The results of the studies will provide important input for integrating local community wisdom into marine protected area (MPA) design. The study was a collaborative effort between CTC and partners, featuring presentations from the Universidade Nacional Timor-Lorosa’e, Department of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, and an independent consultant.

Deeply rooted in Timorese culture, Tara Bandu is a form of customary law that plays a significant role as a communal agreement, restricting or prohibiting harmful practices to safeguard natural resources. As part of marine conservation efforts, Tara Bandu empowers communities to enforce shared rules on fishing and zoning, fostering responsibility and the sustainable use of marine resources.

Recognizing the importance of community-led approaches such as Tara Bandu, the workshop brought together 41 participants from diverse backgrounds, including representatives from the municipalities of Liquiçá, Bobonaro, and Atauro, as well as NGOs such as Blue Ventures Timor-Leste (BVTL), World Fish, Conservation International (CI), Roman Luan, Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA), Lenuk Tasi, and Assosiasaun Pesca Maioria Timor-Leste (APMTL). Academics and other stakeholders also contributed to the lively discussion.

These initiatives mark a significant step in strengthening customary law as a powerful tool for marine conservation, ensuring that traditional wisdom continues to guide sustainable resource management for future generations in Timor-Leste.

Writers: Adam Putra, Marthen Welly, Ernestina Andrade
Photos: Ernestina Andrade/CTC