Empowering indigenous communities in marine resource management
Larapan Island is located in the district of Semporna, in the south of the Malaysian state of Sabah. It lies within the Coral Triangle, the area of the world’s oceans recognised by scientists as having the highest biodiversity.
Despite this ecological richness, the area faces growing threats from human-related activities. Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing continues to destroy coral reefs while the live coral and aquarium trades further exploit the surrounding waters. These pressures, combined with marine pollution, not only reduce biodiversity but also cause structural damage to reef ecosystems and diminish their productivity. At the same time, potential future development on the island poses risks to the local community, threatening their Indigenous and customary rights.
To address these challenges, Reef Check Malaysia are developing a Community Protocol for Larapan Island. This document will be developed by Indigenous peoples and local communities and will set out their traditional practices, cultural values and use of natural resources. By formally recognising these practices, the Protocol aims to protect both the community’s rights and the marine environment, If endorsed by the local government, it will also secure the community’s customary rights, tenure and food security, while ensuring that marine resources can continue to provide long-term benefits for the community.
The project will engage local communities and government stakeholders, including the 1,242 inhabitants on Larapan Island and their future generations.
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