Flying to save Timor's reefs

Antonio Pereira has been fishing since he was 11. He lives on the island of Atauro in Timor-Leste and, like many in his community, depends on the sea to feed his family. "The fish I catch are prepared to eat. Some are sold to earn money for my children's education," he says.

In recent years, however, fish stocks have declined. The cause is damage to the marine ecosystem from overfishing and the use of gear that destroys coral reefs. Yet that is where the fish the community depends on live. Antonio explains: "Fishing is very hard today because there are fewer fish than there used to be."

More than half the world's coral reefs have been lost since 1950. These vital ecosystems not only provide food and income for coastal communities, they also protect coastlines and play a decisive role in limiting climate change. Timor-Leste has some of the most diverse coral reefs on earth, and local people are working to protect them.

Communities are reviving a traditional Timorese land management concept called Tara Bandu. The system aims to conserve natural resources and secure their sustainable use for the future. With support from the conservation organisation Blue Ventures, Antonio's village has adopted the system to establish marine protected areas.

Antonio says: "I went for two weeks to Beloi, our neighbouring village in the eastern part of Atauro island, where we observed what fishing under Tara Bandu produces. It turned out there are plenty of fish there."

Blue Ventures supports the community in protecting its marine life, particularly fish and coral reefs, while helping them find new ways to sustain their livelihoods. For Antonio Pereira that meant switching to seaweed farming.

MAF has substantially supported these conservation efforts. Flights from the capital Dili to Atauro Island enable Blue Ventures to reach remote areas, especially during the rainy season when travelling by boat is difficult. Armindo Marques, programme officer at Blue Ventures, explains: "MAF's aircraft really help us a great deal … We are grateful for their commitment to supporting us with flights at critical times."

MAF pilot Joe Farren shared his appreciation for Blue Ventures' work with the people of Atauro Island. "It is great how we work with NGOs here and enable them to achieve greater impact in the areas where they operate. We can contribute to a wider effect by directly providing them with a means of transport – both for their staff and for any supplies they need."

MAF's partnership with Blue Ventures makes it possible to combine local expertise with international support to protect Timor-Leste's marine treasures and secure their sustainability for future generations.