Strengthening Safeguards, Facilitating Conservation and Collaboration in the Banda Islands

On July 2–3, 2026, CTC conducted an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) Awareness Training in Banda Neira, introducing ESMS as a practical framework for identifying and managing environmental and social risks while respecting the rights, livelihoods, and traditional knowledge of local communities.

24 participants representing sub-district and village governments across the Banda Islands, Community Surveillance Groups (Pokmaswas), the Marine and Fisheries Branch Office Cluster VI of the Banda Islands, the Banda Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP) Forum, the Kupang Marine Management Agency – Banda Service Unit, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academia participated in the training and explored key topics including risk mitigation, occupational health and safety, conflict prevention, Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), and the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM).

Through reflective case-based simulations, appreciative inquiry, problem-based learning, and an interactive, multi-stage simulation game, participants applied their field experience to real coastal management problems in Banda using the EMS framework. Working across sectors, they tested practical solutions, exchanged perspectives, and demonstrated how coordinated decision-making can help address environmental and social challenges in conservation programs while building inclusive community engagement.

The participatory approach translated into a stronger understanding of ESMS principles. By the end of the training, many participants could explain ESMS concepts and expressed interest in applying the framework within their respective institutions and communities. Participants also called for follow-up capacity-building activities, wider dissemination of ESMS principles across the Banda Islands, and the joint development of practical guidance, particularly for implementing GRM and FPIC to support transparent, inclusive, and sustainable marine conservation.

As conservation efforts expand across the Banda Islands, strengthening local capacity to integrate environmental and social safeguards will help ensure that marine protection benefits both nature and the communities that depend on it.

Writer: Megan Alexis
Photos: Zakkir/CTC, Soraya Rahmad/CTC, Shendy Raiman/CTC