New Project Builds Collaborative Framework for Sustainable Marine Management in Buano Island

From April 8–10, 2026, the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) supported the kick-off meetings for the Tropical Forest and Coral Reefs Conservation Act (TFCCA) project in Huamual Belakang Sub-district, Seram Bagian Barat Regency. The meetings were conducted at both sub-district and village levels, with the sub-district session held in Waesala Village and village-level sessions in Soleh and Buano Selatan villages. These meetings aimed to introduce the program and strengthen stakeholder support and engagement at both the sub-district and village levels.

The 18-month project, led by Yayasan Nusa Bahari Lestari (Sahari) and supported by CTC and Yayasan Kiranis, aims to strengthen the management of the Buano Island Marine Protected Area (MPA) and the Sasi practice in the Soleh and Waesala Villages.

A total of 119 participants attended the meetings, representing a wide range of stakeholders, Buano Island MPA managers, sub-district and village governments, customary institutions, community surveillance groups (Pokmaswas), community and religious leaders, youth, women, persons with disabilities, and fishers.

During the meetings, the consortium presented the program background, site selection rationale, the program implementation plan, and the grievance mechanism to ensure transparency and accountability. The discussions also provided space for participants to share feedback, recommendations, and expectations for the program.

Participants expressed strong appreciation for the activity, recognizing it as an important first step to ensure a clear and comprehensive understanding of the program. Key inputs highlighted the need to strengthen community welfare components, improve coordination with government agencies, enhance local monitoring efforts, and support sustainable financing mechanisms at the village level.

The meetings gained strong support from stakeholders, which was formalized through a joint commitment documented in the official meeting minutes. This reflects a shared willingness to collaborate in ensuring the successful implementation of the program.

Following the kick-off meetings, Sahari together with CTC and Yayasan Kiranis also initiated discussions on developing a collaborative management framework for Buano Island, Soleh, and Waesala. This includes strengthening coordination between communities and government, improving reporting mechanisms, and building capacity for sustainable resource management.

Through this initiative, CTC continues to support inclusive, community-driven approaches to marine conservation by strengthening partnerships and ensuring that local voices are actively engaged in program implementation.

Writers: Megan Alexis, Kasman
Photos: Kasman/CTC, Sahari, Marthen Welly/CTC