Developing Locally Managed Marine Areas In Lembata Island
Coastal and marine ecosystems stand as formidable bulwarks against climate change. As nations worldwide rally behind the 30x30 marine conservation goal, more are acknowledging the interconnectedness between these environments and their human inhabitants. Indeed, harnessing the knowledge and expertise of local communities is essential for driving effective coastal protection and restoration.
Quantedge Advancement Initiative is supporting Penabulu Foundation’s ‘Locally Managed Marine Areas in Lembata Island’ project in Indonesia. This two-year project aims to develop a ground-up, community-driven ecosystem management model for the protection and conservation of crucial coastal and marine ecosystems in Lembata Island.
Based on traditional ecological knowledge systems known locally as "Muro", this model leverages customary social practices to manage coastal and marine resources. Muro serves as a governance framework that regulates institutions, social roles, prohibition rules, and law enforcement mechanisms. Ecologically, Muro plays an important role in conserving marine life and vital ecosystems like coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. This model strengthens local marine resource governance, and fosters greater community ownership and leadership in the sustainable use of the island’s natural resources.
Penabulu Foundation is a locally rooted Civil Society Resource Organisation. It strengthens sustainable, community-based solutions by involving the government, private sector, and local communities. Key activities include:
- Community Capacity Building: Convene community stakeholders to gather feedback, understand their needs and ensure a collaborative project implementation process.
- Economic Upscaling: Improve the livelihoods of fisherpeople groups affected through facilitating the development of village-owned enterprises.
- Policy Development: Work with local government to institutionalise Muro into village regulations, which strengthens the implementation and monitoring of Muro practices to ensure compliance.
Programme team assists in the preparation of the work programme for the Muro management organisation in Tapobaran Village (Source: Penabulu Foundation)
We hope that our support for the project can catalyse large-scale impact by developing a strong, community-driven management model that can be replicated for crucial ecosystems along Indonesia’s coastlines, advancing the nation’s marine conservation goals.
Find out more: