Community-based tourism and participatory science as a catalyst for marine management: the case of Atauro Island, Timor-Leste

Atauro Island, Timor-Leste, is recognised as having some of the highest levels of marine biodiversity in the world, but until recently its marine resources were largely unmanaged. In 2016 local communities started working with... [ view full abstract ]

Atauro Island, Timor-Leste, is recognised as having some of the highest levels of marine biodiversity in the world, but until recently its marine resources were largely unmanaged. In 2016 local communities started working with international NGO Blue Ventures to establish two parallel initiatives in Beloi village: homestays and a participatory seagrass monitoring programme.

The homestay association started in 2016 with eight households and by the start of 2018 had hosted 1246 tourist nights, generating a total income of 18,000 USD, substantially increasing household incomes. Homestays host Blue Ventures ecotourists and staff, who visit Atauro to monitor coral reefs and work alongside community members to map seagrass.

Initial anecdotal evidence suggests that the homestays are having an impact on fishing, with participants reporting that the increased income has allowed them to decrease fishing effort. In addition the homestay association is adopting a marine stewardship role in the community, including sustainability in their mission statement and advocating for community-based natural resource management with local stakeholders.  

Participatory monitoring and data sharing has established Blue Ventures as a technical partner for marine management, and in 2017 we were invited by the villagers of Ilik-namu to support the establishment of a new locally-managed marine protected area, underpinned by customary Tara Bandu laws, as well as being granted ongoing access to other locally-managed reefs to continue underwater monitoring. Data collected by Blue Ventures staff, volunteer divers and community members provide the scientific foundation for local community groups to manage Atauro’s marine resources.