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© Matthew Abbott / CTSP

The Coral Triangle holds the highest diversity of marine life in the world. Spanning 648 million hectares off the coasts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste, the ecosystems in the region support the livelihoods of over 340 million people spread across the six countries.

Yet this abundant marine ecosystem is now at risk. Unsustainable fishing, rapid population growth, and the effects of climate change are not only damaging the environment, but also threatening the food security of those who depend on the valuable natural resources in the region.

Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle region, Timor-Leste boasts rich and relatively pristine marine areas as well as economic potential in marine and coastal ecotourism. The largely untouched waters off Timor-Leste's coast provide an important migratory corridor for whales, dolphins, and six threatened turtle species within the region.

© Matthew Abbott / CTSP

Although small compared to other countries in the Coral Triangle, Timor-Leste boasts rich and relatively pristine marine areas as well as huge unfulfilled economic potential in marine and coastal ecotourism.

• Up to 250,000 people (approximately a quarter of the population) in Timor-Leste lost their lives during the 24 years of Indonesian occupation at the end of the 20th century.
• Timor-Leste became independent from Indonesia in 2002, making it one of the world’s youngest countries.
• 50% of people live on less than $2 a day and many children are undernourished.
• 45% of people have no regular, reliable source of food.
• Fish supplies (essential for food security) are dwindling as a result of overfishing and damaging fishing methods.

© Matthew Abbott / CTSP

CTSP in Timor-Leste works with the national government and the National Directorate for Fisheries and Aquaculture to bring about better marine management practices which contribute to sustainable livelihoods.

In order to achieve these outcomes, CTSP listens and learns from local communities and promotes sustainable fisheries practies. Using local knowledge, CTSP has helped the government develop a National Plan of Action that has the support of the local communities - involving the people who remain central to sucessful marine management practices. The plan sets out how Timor-Leste will work towards national goals and also contribute to the regional goals of the Coral Triangle Initiative.

Much of CTSP work focuses on Nino Konis Santana National Park, which includes valuable marine areas. The national park is rich in natural resources but ongoing threats to the health of coastal areas continue to put communities and their livelihoods at risk.

CTSP also helps build the decision-making capacity of government officials, providing advice and data to help them build policies that address illegal and unregulated fishing while allowing the people and coastlines of Timor-Leste to thrive.

Alternative livelihoods

CTSP helps the most vulnerable communities develop alternative livelihoods that offer a more reliable source of food and cause less damage to marine life and ecosystems.

Climate change

Government staff and communities within the national park now conduct surveys of their coastlines to devise their local “Early Action Plan” to prepare for the impacts of climate change. This will help the people who are at the most risk to adapt and plan for their future.

Community awareness

CTSP empowers communities by helping them gain an awareness of their crucial role in conserving coastal resources. Activities such as workshops, film screenings, and hands-on training have been a success, and the national park is now co-managed by local people such as Ernesto (see “Success Story” below).

Gathering knowledge

Limited information about the state of Timor-Leste’s reefs makes planning and decision-making very difficult for local leaders. By involving local fishermen in collecting data and reporting on results, leaders can now make more informed decisions for the future.