Community-led management to protect vulnerable marine species
Aceh, the most north-westerly province of Sumatra, is home to coral reefs, mangroves and sea grass beds which support a rich diversity of wildlife. However, these ecosystems face mounting threats from environmental change, natural disasters, pollution and unsustainable resource use.
Across the province, Customary Marine Areas (CMAs) offer a sustainable livelihood for coastal communities who have the potential to protect and manage the globally important marine ecosystems that surround the area. However, community participation in managing these areas is limited due to gaps in capacity, training and motivation.
The project works with three coastal villages in Lhok Paya, which together form the Mukim Paya community, on the south of Weh Island. This 3,000 hectare coastal ecosystem is dominated by coral reefs and rich biodiversity, but local livelihoods are at risk from destructive large-scale commercial fishing.
To address these challenges, the project serves as a model for community-led, ecosystem-based management of CMAs. Activities include collaborative planning and management, ecosystem protection, restoration, support for community marine ranger groups and community awareness raising events.
