DILI, 03 february 2023 (TATOLI) – The Secretary of State for Fisheries, Elidio de Araujo, said that currently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) has implemented the program of traditional law (Tara Bandu) to ban the communities who living in the coast for not destroying the marine biodiversity in Timor-Leste.
“We have implemented the program of traditional law ‘Tara Bandu’ to ban the communities for not destroying the marine biodiversity protected area. The program of traditional law ‘tara bandu’ has been implemented in several municipalities such as; Atauro, Likisa, Bobonaro/Batugade, and Manufahe/Same,” Ilidio de Araujo told TATOLI in his office, MAF Comoro, Dili on friday.
He added that the municipalities that have not implemented the traditional law ‘Tara Bandu’ will be implemented in the near future.
“This traditional law will prevent local fishers from destroying the marine biodiversity such as coral reefs, sharks, turtles, and other protected fish, because coral reefs are the fish habitats for breeding and laying eggs, by this way we will contribute to the marine biodiversity in Timor – Leste,’ he concluded
Coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local people, and offer recreational opportunities. They are also a source of food and new medicines. More than half a billion people depend on coral reefs for food, income, and protection.
To ensure the protection of important resources, the Timor-Leste Ministry of Agriculture and Fishery continues to raise the awareness of fishermen about the protection of the marine ecosystem.
The socialization was conducted by MAF through the Directorate of Fisheries in 2017 with 1300 fishing groups and more than 6000 fishermen intending to protect the marine coral reefs when fishing at sea.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Nelia B.
