Blue Ventures project: Launch of the Tara Bandu-Sentru Beraka Locally Managed Marine Area in Timor Leste
On December 16, 2024, the community of Hera in Timor Leste, supported by Blue Ventures, proudly launched the Tara Bandu-Sentru Beraka Locally Managed Marine Area #LMMA.
This initiative represents a significant step towards the sustainable management of marine resources, vital for the well-being of local communities, while strengthening their capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Beraka (1.14 km²) and Sartutu (14.10 km²) are now protected, with a focus on:
- Seagrass meadows: 247.68 hectares conserved, essential for marine biodiversity.
- Mangroves: 52 hectares preserved, providing critical protection against coastal erosion.
In 2024, Blue Venture worked closely with local communities to establish four additional marine protected areas : Lian Lidu, Ilicnamo, Behedan, and Hera, safeguarding a collective total of 18.9 km².
This inspiring achievement highlights the importance of collaboration among local communities and their leaders, underscoring the role of traditional practices such as #Tara #Bandu. This social code fosters collective and responsible management of natural resources, strengthening both sustainability and community unity.
