Implementation of the Arafura and Timor Seas Regional and National Strategic Action Programs (ATSEA-2); Second Phase of the Arafura Timor Seas Ecosystem Action (ATSEA)

Implementation of Arafura Timor Seas Regional and National Programme (ATSEA)

Imlementation of Arafura Timor Seas Regional and National Programme (ATSEA 2)

 

Summary

The ATSEA-2 project is the second phase of the GEF-financed, UNDP-supported ATSEA program, and is designed to enhance regional collaboration and coordination in the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region. ATSEA-2 will specifically focus on supporting the implementation of the endorsed strategic action program (SAP), a 10-year vision for the Arafura-Timor Seas with the long-term objective “to promote sustainable development of the Arafura-Timor Seas region to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants through restoration, conservation and sustainable management of marine-coastal ecosystems”.

 

 

Fishing activity in Natarbora

 

 

Background

The GEF alternative establishes a regional governance mechanism that strengthens the enabling policies and capacities of institutions and individuals, including the integration of Papua New Guinea, resulting in a sustained transboundary response to over-exploited fisheries and increased pressures on the globally significant biodiversity in the ATS region, including the impacts of climate change. Integrated approaches are designed to incentivize local communities to more sustainably use coastal and marine resources, enhancing their own livelihoods while safeguarding the ecosystem goods and services that are the backbone of their socio-economic well-being.

 

 

Major

Achievements

 
  • Participants (Women 33 and Men 7) benefitted from training on the importance of seafood value addition in strengthening sustainable fisheries management for improved food and nutrition security

  • Validated draft Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) plan for suco Uma Boco (Manatuto) collaboration with UNTL, MAF and Manatuto Municipality Administration,

  • EAFM plan for red snapper in the ATS region in collaboration with MAF was validated

  • Stakeholders in the south coast region Manufahi and Covalima municipalities attended oil spill preparedness and response training

Project Outcome

 

The project aims to:

  • Sustain the flow of ecosystem goods and services from the Arafura and Timor Seas through a trans boundary governance strategy that is rooted in national development priorities and therefore enhance sustainable development of  ATS region to protect biodiversity and improve the quality of life of its inhabitants through conservation and sustainable management of marine-coastal ecosystems
  • Strengthen regional governance structures, enabling policies and capacities of institution and 
     
  • Support the implementation of the priority action outlined in the ATS Strategic Action Program (SAP) and National Action Programs (NAPs)
  • Covers the 5-priority transboundary environmental problems identified by the TDA: Unsustainable fisheries and decline and loss of living coastal and marine resources, modification, degradation and loss of coastal and marine habitats, marine and land-based pollution, decline and loss of threatened and migratory species, Impacts of climate change on the ATS. 
 

 

Reforestation along the Marine Protected area site in Same

 

 

Related Materials

 

ATSEA 2 Factsheet 2021

Download here

Project Document

Download here