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Sailing towards a sustainable future of the Arafura and Timor Seas Region

By IW:LEARN

January 25^th, 2024

In the heart of the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region, the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) project, started in 2010 and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the UN Development Programme, is dedicated to strengthening regional governance mechanism addressing transboundary environmental challenges in the region.

The overarching goal of the 5-year ATSEA-2 is to establish formal long-term collaboration among four ATS countries -Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and Timor Leste. This initiative seeks to implement Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) along 125 km of coastline, create new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), enhance MPAs management in Indonesia and Timor Leste, and restore up to 25% of over-exploited fisheries in the ATS region to sustainable levels.

The ATS region is a unique tropical water corridor connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans with the Coral Triangle, boasting a diverse ecosystem with 160 coral species, 350 reef fish species, 25% of the world's mangroves, and non-living resources like oil and gas reserves. However, this faces severe threats, including overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and impacts of climate change, necessitating sustainable regional action. The ATSEA-2 Project actively addresses cross-cutting issues, particularly gender equality through women empowerment.

Empowering communities for a sustainable future

The ATSEA-2 Project has achieved significant milestones in fostering sustainable marine ecosystems. The project empowers local communities to adapt and thrive by strengthening stakeholder collaboration and gaining support from governments across the four coastal countries. Reflecting on the journey, the project's stories highlight challenges to overcome, determination, and collaboration. The vision includes lessons learned, partnerships forged, and a dedication to environmental stability and community well-being.

Coastal community in Merauke District, South Papua Province, Indonesia. Credit: UNDP Indonesia for ATSEA-2 Project

ATSEA-2 emerges as a beacon in the vast ATS, fostering collaboration and sustainable practices across Indonesia, PNG, and Timor-Leste. Dedicated to empowering coastal communities, promoting sustainable fisheries, and enhancing environmental resilience, this collective effort unfolds a narrative of shared dedication, knowledge exchange, and a pursuit of a vibrant future. At its core, the project is about empowering communities, ensuring they thrive in the face of challenges.

A tale of transformation in Rote Ndao, Indonesia

From Indonesia, in the heart of Rote Ndao District, Metri Nainatu or locally known as Mama Metri, once a traditional fisher and seaweed farmer, now stands as a symbol of resilience and innovation for her community. Faced with challenges in her traditional activities, Mama Metri sought an alternative and turned to soap production. With support from the ATSEA-2 Project, Mama Metri, along with her group crafted 'Minano', an all-natural soap incorporating local ingredients like Siam weed leaves.

Mama Metri organises her marine resource-based soaps. Credit: ATSEA-2.

The transition from seaweed farming to soap production marked a significant shift for Mama Metri and her group. Supported by the ATSEA-2 Project, they received essential training and scaled up their operations creating a local soap called 'Minano' that gained popularity in hotels. Beyond economic success, Mama Metri's leadership contributed to community development and funding initiatives such as the construction of a local church and a food program addressing childhood stunting. Her commitment to preserving coastal ecosystems, especially mangroves, reflects sustainable practices that ensure the long-term health of these crucial environments.

Mama Metri's impact is not confined to her group; it extends to the entire community. Her story showcases the transformative power of women-led initiatives, illuminating a path toward adaptive and resilient coastal communities. The Minano soap, recognized internationally, fills the community with pride, putting Rote Ndao on the map, thanks to the support from ATSEA-2 and local governments.

“We feel proud because the experience we have gained did not come easy. We are very grateful for the knowledge that has been given to us and, after implementing it in our daily activities, we have seen an improvement in our income,”

stated Mama Metri.

Empowering sustainable fisheries in PNG

Moving to PNG, ATSEA-2 found another champion that shed light on empowerment from the government level. Her name is Dainah Gigiba. She is the District Fisheries Officer in PNG's Western Province and has served with the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) for 30 years. As a provincial government delegate, she is crucial to ATSEA-2's mission—enhancing compliance and fostering sustainable fisheries.

Dainah's extensive experience highlights issues like overfishing and illegal practices. She addresses the historical lack of community involvement in decision-making, now collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure inclusive and community-driven solutions.

Dainah Gigiba, District Fisheries Officer in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province. Credit: ATSEA-2

Through ATSEA-2's support, including research and Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) training, Dainah actively improves public awareness and compliance. The focus on community-led initiatives has empowered fishing communities, fostering a positive outlook and tangible impacts. Direct engagement with communities and NFA visits amplify positive collaboration, leaving community leaders eager for change.

Dainah reflects on the community's response to external collaboration, she said that community leaders are very impressed and happy with what has come through ATSEA.

“They now see the positive impact of collaboration with the outside. This is what they have been crying out for. They are all eager for change – they can not wait,”

said Dainah.

Coastal empowerment unveiled in Timor-Leste

Nestled in the heart of Timor-Leste’s Manatuto Municipality, the Tok-Derek Women's Cooperative stands tall as a symbol of community strength and economic sustainability. Established in 2022 and supported by ATSEA-2 and the UNDP Integrated Coastal Management program, this cooperative addresses gender imbalances and champions women's economic empowerment. Through strategic training and collaborative efforts, Tok-Derek has evolved into more than just a cooperative; it has become a guiding light, fostering financial ingenuity and bolstering community resilience.

Tok-Derek Cooperative members and ATSEA-2 project team members . Credit: ATSEA-2.

Despite facing challenges, including issues with legal registration and member participation, the cooperative remains resolute, actively advocating for fisheries-related matters and contributing to job creation and economic activity. The success of Tok-Derek transcends a mere story; it signifies a movement with a future-oriented mission to empower more women and diversify its impact. Through the ATSEA-2 Project, coastal communities in Timor-Leste are not merely overcoming challenges; they are thriving, embodying a collective vision of independence, prosperity, and a sustainable future.

Maria da Gloria Mendes, the group's coordinator, asserts the importance of unity for progress.

"We are not just creating a cooperative. Membership is earned through training and capacity-building, which forges our communal bond,"

she states.

Mendes is confident that financial empowerment is crucial for the community's collective success. Despite hurdles like legal registration and member engagement, she remains optimistic, viewing each obstacle as a growth opportunity. "We are addressing the legalities and encouraging transparent dialogue to surmount challenges," Mendes affirms.

Charting progress and embracing hope

As the project approaches its final year, anticipated outcomes include robust RGM, ICM, and a revitalised fisheries sector. Demonstrating that the journey towards sustainable seas is a collective endeavour, each story is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and dedication.

The ATSEA-2 Project, sailing towards a sustainable future of the region, reflects on a path defined by shared dedication, knowledge exchange and a collective pursuit of a vibrant and resilient future. The coastal communities are not just recipients of support but active key actors in building a sustainable and resilient ATS region.

About the ATSEA-2 Project

ATSEA-2 is the second phase of the Arafura & Timor Seas Ecosystem Action (ATSEA) program, a regional partnership involving the governments of Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea supported by the Australian Government. Its objective is to collectively manage high marine and fisheries resources in the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region. Since its inception in 2019, the program has been working to promote sustainable development in the ATS region and improve the quality of life of its inhabitants through a combination of restoration, conservation and sustainable management of marine-coastal ecosystems.

The ATSEA-2 Project is committed to safeguarding the livelihoods and prosperity of coastal people in the ATS region, particularly in transboundary areas, through the implementation of sustainable integrated concepts.

ATSEA-2 is a Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded program, managed and executed under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) Resource Facility (PRF) is an implementing partner.

For more information on the ATSEA-2 Project, please contact the Regional Project Manager, Handoko Adi Susanto (hasusanto@pemsea.org), visit the project page on iwlearn.net or the project website.

Footnotes

Words by Stella Yovita Arya Puteri. Cover picture: Aerial shot of a coastal area in South Papua Province, Indonesia (Credit: ATSEA-2). Fish picture: Jett Britnel / Ocean Image Bank

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FootNotes

Words by Stella Yovita Arya Puteri. Cover picture: Aerial shot of a coastal area in South Papua Province, Indonesia (Credit: ATSEA-2). Fish picture: Jett Britnel / Ocean Image Bank