FAO, MMAF, MAF committed to accelerate progress under the Indonesian Seas Large Marine Ecosystem (ISLME) project before it ends in Dec 2023
FAO, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) of Indonesia and the Ministry of Agriculture, Lifestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MALFF) of Timor-Leste express their commitment to ISLME sustainability specifically through the finalization and endorsement of the key scientific documents: the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) and the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) as well as the completion of key initiatives before the ISLME project ends in December 2023. This was during the 4th Regional Steering Committee (RPSC) meeting of the FAO/GEF supported ISLME project held in Dili Timor- Leste on 22 Aug 2023.
FAO Representative for Indonesia and Timor-Leste Mr. Rajendra Aryal commended the completion of the TDA, that identified the threats to ISLME region sustainability and the progress with the SAP, detailing clear initiatives with timeline and budget for future implementation. The finalization process of these documents is carried out under the guidance of TDA-SAP Senior Technical Consultant Mr. Rudolf Hermes in close consultation with MMAF and MALFF, the National Scientific Advisory Group (NSAG) and a team of experts from the Bandung-based University of Padjajaran.
“We look forward to having both ministers coming together to endorse the documents and to our future collaboration,” Mr. Rajendra told the meeting participants.
Stressing on the need for continued efforts to protect marine and fisheries resources in the ISLME region, Mr. Ridwan Mulyana, MMAF Director of Fish Resources Management said that the completion of TDA and SAP, which involved intensive consultations with expert stakeholders, are urgent priorities. He also stated his commitment to supporting the completion of the remaining ISLME project’s initiatives for improved future management for the region’s sustainability.
Mr. Acacio Guterres, Director General for Fisheries of MALFF, Timor-Leste stressed that promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture are Timor-Leste priorities and the completion of TDA-SAP will be helpful to ensure better management of marine and fisheries resources at the national and transboundary level.
He also stated that, Timor-Leste is glad to host the 4th RPSC meeting and looks forward to hear from the project about the latest project progress and the plan for remaining works. Dg-PARM, MALFF is committed to work closely with FAO for completing the project successfully.
Mr. Fery Sutyawan MMAF Technical Coordinator of Inland Sea, Territorial and Archipelagic Waters explained that since the project started in 2019, Indonesia had conducted nine activities under component 1 on Identifying and addressing threats to the marine environment including unsustainable fisheries; 66 activities under Component 2 on Strengthening capacity for regional and sub-regional cooperation in marine resources management; and 20 activities under Component 3 on Co-ordination with regional information networks, monitoring of project impacts, and dissemination and exchange of information.
MMAF’s planned activities are designed to strengthen its Quota-Based Fisheries programme, while MALFF plans to conduct validation meeting for aquaculture decree, activities-related to Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), trainings on Bottom long line technology, seaweed culture and seaweed product diversification and fisheries administration & finance management, and strengthen EAFM curriculum in two universities.
Bilateral activities include dialogue on Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) for transboundary fisheries management and exposure visit for Timor-Leste’s MALFF officers to Indonesia’s Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management and Aquaculture (EAFM and EAA) pilot sites and Geographic Information System (GIS) training for staff of Dir. Gen. of Fisheries and State Secretary of Environment of Timor- Leste.
At the meeting, Indonesia transferred the RPSC chairmanship to Timor-Leste. “There have been meaningful progresses with meaningful benefits to the stakeholder,” said Mr. Ridwan expressing his appreciation when referring to the impacts of the GEF/FAO-supported ISLME project, during the transfer of chairmanship to his counterpart Mr. Acacio.