| Author | Amaral, Aleixo Leonito |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.AQ-09-01 |
| Subject(s) | Marine parks and reserves--East Timor
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| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. AQ-09-01 |
| Abstract | Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a conservation tool for coastal and marine resources. A study was conducted to analyze the role of local communities, government and international organizations in the establishment and future management of two marine protected areas in East Timor. The two marine protected areas located in Vila Village, Atauro and in Batugade Village, Balibo were selected in this study. Qualitative research methods such as key informants interview, focus group discussion and observation were used to gather the primary information. Official reports, publications and journals which are related to the study were also used to gather secondary information in order to support primary information. The MPAs in Vila Village, Atauro and Batugade Village, Balibo were established in 2005. The MPA establishment was initiated by the government (State Secretariat of Fisheries - National Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture) as a pilot project and funded by FAO. Co-management was an option in MPAs establishment process in order to involve local communities and other stakeholders in the beginning of the process and management plan of MPA and also to encourage local communities for the promotion of community-based marine protected area. The legal framework for MPA establishment adopted the international law (i.e. IUCN) and national laws namely East Timor constitution, fisheries law and regulation and also traditional law ("Tara Bandu"). The reasons for MPA establishment were 1) depletion of aquatic resources due to destructive fishing gears and use of poison, 2) ecotourism potential and 3) ecological importance of coral reefs, segrasses and mangroves which are important for breeding and nursery for fishes and other aquatic living organism. Therefore, the objective of MPA establishment is to conserve the ecosystem and replenish aquatic living resources. The MPA establishment process consists of five steps: 1) community consultation, 2) formation of MPA establishment committee, 3) drafting village law and marine protected area management group law, 4) demarcation of MPA boundary and 5) declaration. The sizes of MPAs in two villages are 14 ha in Vila Village and 50 ha in Batugade Village. In the MPA establishment process, the co-management approach was adopted and the level of co-management was more consultative and cooperative. Several problems were encountered during MPA establishment process such as lack of knowledge and experience of government staff and local community regarding MPA establishment, lack of publications and reports regarding MPA establishment, and limited budget. Consequently, the MPA establishment process is not yet fmished and on-going up to date. Collaboration between government, local communities and international and regional organizations should continue in order to finalize the MP A establishment in two sites and for the future management. Moreover, it is also necessary should another MPA be established in the future, proper site selection criteria and procedures should be followed. |
| Year | 2009 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. AQ-09-01 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AQ) |
| Chairperson(s) | Wenresti G. Gallardo |
| Examination Committee(s) | Amararatne Yakupitiyage;Ebbers, Theo |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | NORAD (Norway) |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2009 |