Building coastal resilience through community-led action in Timor-Leste

How can coastal communities strengthen the resilience of both their livelihoods and marine ecosystems?

A new story published by IUCN highlights the results of a Kiwa-supported local project led by Blue Ventures Conservation in Timor-Leste. Since 2022, the project has worked with local communities to protect and sustainably manage coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs, seagrass and mangroves, while promoting more sustainable fisheries.

At the heart of the initiative are Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs), developed with communities and drawing on the traditional Tara Bandu system of resource management. In Ilimano and Hera, local communities have taken an active role in establishing conservation rules, monitoring fisheries and protecting marine resources.

The project has also supported community-led mangrove restoration, with 31,300 mangrove seedlings planted through ten afforestation activities, alongside beach clean-ups and the development of a local mangrove education centre.

These achievements demonstrate how NbS, local knowledge and community leadership can work together to strengthen coastal resilience and support sustainable livelihoods.