Lesser Sunda Seascape
LESSER SUNDA SEASCAPE
Stretching from Bali, Indonesia to Timor Leste, the Lesser Sunda Seascape is characterized by a stunning variety of coral reefs, small islands and deep oceanic trenches.
Linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, this corridor supports both reef and pelagic habitats among its narrow island straits and deep adjacent waters. Thanks to these unique oceanographic conditions, the area experiences incredibly strong currents as part of the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF). Combined with steep underwater cliffs, they create favorable conditions for the natural upwelling of cold water—especially in Nusa Penida, Alor, the Savu Sea (East Nusa Tenggara), and Timor‑Leste’s waters, which are 2–3 °C cooler than neighboring areas—which can protect reefs and make them more resilient to rising sea temperatures.
These exceptional currents do not stop international divers from coming here to observe the spectacular marine life. Indeed, tourism has grown rapidly, offering economic activities but also putting pressure on marine ecosystems and highlighting the need for sustainable management. One of the key challenges in the region, particularly in Timor-Leste, is a national shortage of resources and technical capacity related to coastal and marine biodiversity management, which has limited the country’s ability to effectively oversee and protect its marine environment.
In response, the governments of Indonesia and Timor‑Leste have committed to ambitious conservation targets that align with global biodiversity frameworks such as the “30 by 30” goal: Timor‑Leste aims to protect 30% of its maritime area by 2030, and Indonesia targets 10% by 2030 and 30% by 2045.
Since 2010, CTC has supported this effort in Indonesia by facilitating the establishment of the Nusa Penida MPA, and since 2013 in Timor‑Leste through MPA designation and management in Atauro Island and Liquiçá, as well as through capacity building and integration of these MPAs into national marine spatial planning. Consequently, the Lesser Sunda is now one of the Coral Triangle’s Priority Seascapes for marine protection and conservation.
Management & Conservation through Collaborations & Partnerships
The Nusa Penida MPA is managed through collaboration between provincial and district governments, the MPA Management Unit, local communities, NGOs, and tourism operators. Its zoning system—developed with support from CTC—includes three main zones and seven subzones that guide marine tourism, fisheries, seaweed farming, and protection of sacred sites.
Routine patrols are carried out by the MPA Management Unit with coordination from the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL), Marine Police, and community partners. CTC provides training and technical assistance for these efforts, including protocols for reporting and enforcement.
To reduce the ecological impact of tourism, CTC partnered with the Lembongan Marine Association and dive operators to develop codes of conduct for interacting with manta rays and mola-mola. CTC also promotes Green Fins certification, a program of the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP), to help diving and snorkeling businesses adopt environmentally responsible practices.
Habitat restoration and ecotourism efforts are underway with private sector and community groups like Satya Posana Nusa and Surya Mandiri. These include coral reef restoration, mangrove planting, and guide training programs. CTC supports these initiatives through fieldwork, training, outreach, and monitoring, helping link conservation to community benefits while reinforcing local stewardship of marine resources.
Learning & Impact
The Nusa Penida MPA serves as a “living laboratory” for integrated coastal and marine resource management, drawing visitors and practitioners from across the Coral Triangle. Through CTC’s fieldwork and training programs, students, scientists, government staff, NGOs, and local communities gain firsthand experience in MPA zoning and regulation implementation, ecosystem restoration, socio-ecological monitoring, and stakeholder engagement.
One key lesson is the value of blending traditional knowledge with formal governance. Nyepi Segara, a Balinese practice where all ocean activity pauses for a day, is formally recognized in the MPA’s management plan. Customary laws (awig-awig) are also being revived to address issues like mangrove cutting and sand extraction. Protection of waters adjacent to coastal temples was integrated into the zoning plan through a Sacred Sub-zone. These cultural tools help align conservation goals with local values.
CTC-supported partnerships with local groups like Sandu Care, Surya Mandiri, Satya Posana Nusa, Gili Bhuana, and Kelompok Nuansa Pulau have developed community-led coral reef restoration, seaweed products, MPA surveillance, and mangrove ecotourism. These efforts provide local income, support reef recovery, and educate both residents and tourists. Earth Day events—run with Bali Hai Cruises and local schools—engage youth through cleanup activities, shadow puppet shows, and art.
Joint studies with various universities, both international (University of Queensland, James Cook University, Queensland University of Technology, Murdoch University) and national (Institut Pertanian Bogor, Universitas Brawijaya, Universitas Udayana) have been conducted to collect data and publish scientific papers to support management of the Nusa Penida MPA.For more information, download this infosheet here. Link to a downloadable infosheet
Learning Site
As an official MPA Learning Site, Nusa Penida serves as a regional platform for training and knowledge sharing.
It hosts learning exchanges and workshops for MPA managers, government officials, scientists, NGOs, students, and community groups across the Coral Triangle. Sessions cover topics such as marine zoning, participatory management, ecological monitoring, and sustainable tourism.For more information, download this infosheet here.