Collaborative management of protected areas in timor leste stakeholder participation in community based tourism in mount ramelau

Collaborative Management of ProtectedAreas in Timor-Leste: Stakeholder Participation in Community-Based Tourism in Mount Ramelau Antonio da Silva and Huong T.. The implementation of comm

Collaborative Management of Protected

Areas in Timor-Leste: Stakeholder

Participation in Community-Based

Tourism in Mount Ramelau

Antonio da Silva and Huong T Bui

Timor-Leste (East Timor in English) is the youngest independent nation in Southeast Asia As a fragile, post-conflict state, it has some of the highest levels of unemploy-ment, poverty, food insecurity, malnutrition and illiteracy in the world—the country faces major development challenges to improve human well-being and living stan-dards (World Bank,2020) Timor-Leste’s population is highly dependent on natural resources (mainly oil) and subsistence livelihoods, with agriculture and fisheries being the major sources of income for the majority (94 per cent) of the popula-tion (Molyneux et al.,2012) Within the non-oil economic sector, tourism has been identified as a major government development priority for poverty reduction and to improve rural economic development (UNDP & UNWTO,2007)

Extant studies have highlighted the potential of the natural environment for ecotourism development (Edyvane et al.,2009; Ximenes & Carter,2000) as well as the community-based tourism (CBT) option for the country (Tolkach & King,2015) The implementation of community-based and nature-based tourism has been high-lighted as a major development priority by the Government of Timor-Leste under the Timor-Leste Strategic Development Plan 2011–2030 (RDTL,2011) and the National Strategic Plan for Tourism 2012–2017 by Ministry of Tourism (MOT,2012) At the intersection of these two forms of tourism, community-based ecotourism (CBET) can play a major role in community development through promoting and supporting local employment, income generation and alternative livelihood development (Edyvane

A da Silva

Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry, Dilli, Timor-Leste

e-mail: da19s6sn@apu.ac.jp

H T Bui (B)

College of Asia Pacific Studies, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Beppu, Japan e-mail: huongbui@apu.ac.jp

© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021

T E Jones et al (eds.), Nature-Based Tourism in Asia’s Mountainous Protected Areas,

Geographies of Tourism and Global Change,

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76833-1_7

133

et al.,2009) However, tourism planning and development in nature reserve areas are currently constrained by a lack of specific policies, plans and strategies at both national and municipal levels, and the key issues of poor institutional capacity, limited infrastructure and the unmet need of workforce training (UNDP & UNWTO,2007)

In 2017 the Timor-Leste government approved a 2030 National Tourism Policy with five thematic principles (5Ps); priority, prosperity, people, protection and partnership These key policy goals aimed to stimulate intrepid and dynamic tourism sector growth

in Timor-Leste, with an annual target by 2030 of 200,000 international inbound visi-tors, generating USD150 million in revenues and employing 15,000 local residents (RDTL,2017)

The governance and management of protected areas (PAs) involves entities from both the public and private sectors (Byrd, 2007) These issues are getting more complicated in developing countries where law enforcement is unclear and weak, along with conflicts in resource and benefit sharing among different groups Among various group of PA users, the tourism industry is an active stakeholder This chapter brings our attention to collaborative management of national parks and nature-based tourism in the Timor-Leste The authors centre the analysis of the nature-based tourism on Mount Ramelau, one of Timor-Leste’s top-ranked national tourist attrac-tions due to its spectacular natural scenery, religious significance, historical value and the rural community life that surrounds it Linking the problem of resource management under stakeholder collaborative management of Mount Ramelau, the authors provide insights into the complexity of the tourism-conservation nexus, that has been relatively under-researched in the context of Timor-Leste

7.2 Natural Conditions and the System of Protected Areas

7.2.1 A Geographical and Historical Background

of the Country

Timor-Leste is the newest country in the Southeast Asian region, located to the north-west of Australia, at the eastern tip of the Indonesian archipelago Throughout the history of the Timor-Leste, there has been an often violent and recurrent theme of struggle to achieve autonomy from foreign control, first from the Javanese kingdom

of Majapahit and later from the Portuguese, Japanese and, more recently, from Indonesia The country gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 marking the latest chapter in the country’s long quest for freedom from foreign rule (Carter et al.,

2001)

The country occupies approximately 15,000 square kilometers including the eastern half of the island of Timor, the enclave of Oecusse including Ataúro Island and Jaco Island In terms of topography, the mountainous aspect and proximity to Australia produce three distinct climatic regions The area from the coast to 600 m above sea level in the north features an annual average temperature of over 24 °C, low

precipitation (500 to 1500 mm annually), and a pronounced dry period lasting five months (June to October) The mountainous zone has temperatures below 24 °C, high precipitation (2500 to 3000 mm) and a dry period of four months (July to October) The southern zone, below 600 m above sea level, has extended plains, exposed to southerly winds, average precipitation (between 1500 and 2000 mm), with average temperatures generally higher than 24 °C and a dry period of three months (August

to October) (Carter et al.,2001)

The geomorphology of the Timor-Leste is different from her neighbouring islands; Timor is a continental island of Indo-Australian Plate rather than of volcanic origin The bedrock is of limestone and other (metamorphosed) sediments and may form part of the Australian geological plate (Monk et al.,1997) In the centre of the island,

it is the Ramelau mountain range with the higher elevations reaching 2964 m In the north, the mountains stretch close to the coast (see Fig.7.1) To the east, the rugged relief softens but is uneven, perhaps due to higher geological complexity, giving way

to plains interrupted by steep cliffs To the northeast, partially of recent volcanic origin, the land rises rapidly from the sea to 1561 m (Nipane peak) The volcanic island of Atauro emerges very steeply from the sea to form the mountain of Mano Coco (999 m) (Carter et al.,2001)

Fig 7.1 Timor-Leste’s Topography (Source Authors’ compilation)

Although there appears to be some inherent interest in the fauna of Timor-Leste,

a lack of understanding of its nature and location limits its use for tourism purposes (Carter et al.,2001) Timor-Leste’s terrestrial fauna appears to have suffered along with the demise of the forest communities (Monk et al.,1997) and mammal species have suffered from ‘shooting practice’ (Carter et al., 2001) In contrast, the bird population is relatively diverse with more than 200, mostly non-migratory, species (Pederson & Arneberg,1999) Timor-Leste lies in an oceanic hotspot of migratory and marine biodiversity This region is home to 76% of the world’s coral species, six of the world’s seven marine turtle species, more than 3,000 species of reef fish, whale sharks, manta rays, and a diversity of marine mammals such as 22 species of dolphin, and a variety of whale species (RDTL,2015)

7.2.2 The System of National Parks and Protected Areas

Historically, recognition of natural environmental values has its origins in Portuguese colonial rule with the establishment of the Colonial Forestry Service in 1924, driven more by an interest in commercial grade timber supply than its unique biodiversity (McWilliam,2013) Recognition of the need for forest conservation emerged during the colonial period after WWII, but it was during Indonesian rule after 1975 that the forested Pai Cao Mountains were designated as a conservation reserve (McWilliam,

2013) Timor-Leste environmental management regulations were established during the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) in early

2000 National policies on environment and natural resources are covered by laws and regulations formulated under UNTAET, such as laws promulgated in 2000 on the prohibition of logging operations and the export of wood from East Timor and the Law on Protected Areas (PAs) In 2006, the Timor-Leste government signed the United Nations Convention of Biological Diversity (UNCBD) and became a Party

to the Convention on 8 January 2007 As a signatory to the UNCBD, Timor-Leste takes efforts to fulfil the Convention’s requirements which include the Program of Work on Protected Areas In February 2011, Timor-Leste enacted the Environmental Licensing Decree (Law No 5) creating a system of environmental licensing for public and private projects likely to produce ecological and social impacts on the environ-ment There are traditional regulations and customs in Timor-Leste that contribute

to conserving natural resources such as forests and crops This system of communal

protection is known as Tara bandu, an agreement within a community to protect a

special area or resource for a period of time (RDTL,2011/2015)

UNTAET introduced Protected Area Regulation No 2000/19 in July 2000 with the establishment of 15 “wild protected areas” (Nunes,2002) Protection of biodi-versity requires effort and covers the following: (a) conservation of mountain and erosion-prone areas with forests; (b) conservation of coastal areas; (c) conservation of watershed areas, steep slopes and lake margins; (d) development of watershed areas; (e) conservation of areas with unique value, natural beauty and interest and special features of nature and culture; and (f) environmental impact statements Therefore,

sustainable utilization of natural resources is regulated through well-regulated activ-ities, including (a) use of natural conservation areas for recreation, tourism, experi-mentation and research, (b) controlled use of wild flora and fauna, and (c) involvement

of the people around conservation areas to be partners in management (Nunes,2002) The list of 15 sites designated as “wild protected areas” in the Timor-Leste, carried over from Indonesian designation (see Fig.7.1), is dominated by mountain-focused areas (Carter et al., 2001) By 2016, as stated in Decree Law No 5 (Jórnal da República,2016), there are 46 protected areas including 2 marine PAs and 44 terres-trial PAs (see Table7.1) All listed PAs and NPs officially fall under the jurisdiction

of the Department of National Parks and Protected Areas (NDPA) portfolio that is responsible for management, including provisions to prohibit certain activities within the protected wild areas

To have structured management in all protected areas in Timor-Leste, NDPA recommends major strategic needs to advance protected area planning, establish-ment and manageestablish-ment First, site designation and categorization follow alternate forms of protected area governance in Timor-Leste Referring to the IUCN manage-ment categories, NDPA identifies four main governance types: governmanage-ment-managed protected areas, co-managed protected areas, privately managed protected areas, and community-conserved areas The IUCN categories, Categories V and VI are often seen to be the most useful ones for addressing the interests of indigenous and local communities, given their emphasis on sustainable practices and the human-nature relationship that is built into their definitions (McIntyre,2011) Second, introducing integrated land use planning incorporates indigenous or traditional systems or prac-tices demands special consideration about social harmony and conflict minimization Third, economic well-being of the indigenous and local communities is essential since they are the owners and are directly involved as co-managers of consider-able areas of the land designated as protected areas Thus, through participation and involvement of the traditional and local inhabitants at all stages of planning, implementation, and management, protected areas can have mutually beneficial outcomes Fourth, protected areas can offer a wide range of employment and income opportunities for local communities

A number of key threats to the sustainability and health of the country’s natural wealth have been identified including deforestation, degradation, poaching and intro-duced species Deforestation is arguably the most serious problem threatening the biodiversity of Timor-Leste, due to pressure on forests driven by the need for fire-wood, agriculture and out-of-control fires during land clearing or hunting Forest cover in Timor-Leste has decreased by almost 30% in the period between 1972 and

1999 (Sandlund et al.,2001) Approximately 59% of the total land area of the country

is still forested, but only 1.7% of primary forests remain, found mainly in Lautem and Covalima districts Between 2003 and 2012, there has been a further reduc-tion in Timor-Leste’s forest cover Approximately 184,000 ha of forest, i.e 17.5%

of the forest area of 2003, was lost in that 9-year period (RDTL,2015) Another major threat is the gradual degradation of landscapes and up to 50% of the country is considered degraded, partly due to farmers’ practicing slash-and-burn agriculture by

Table 7.1 Protected areas in Timor-Leste

Land protected area

No Protected area Municipality Post

administrative

Village Estimated

size in hectares (Ha)

1 Nino Konis Santana

National Park

Lautem Tutuala Tutuala

Mehara

123.600

Lospalos Muapitino

Lore 1 Lautem/Moro Bauro

Com

2 Mount Legumau Lautem Luro Vairoke 35.967

Afabubo Baricafa Baucau Laga Atelari

Baguia Uakala

3 Maurei Lake Lautem Iliomar Tirilolo 500

Viqueque Uatocarbao Irabin de

Baixo

4 Irabere Water Spring Viqueque Uatocarbao Bahata

Irabin de Baixo Irabin de Xima

5 Mount Matebian Baucau Quelicai Lai Sorulai 24.000

Uaitame Afaca Namanei Laga Sagadati

Atelari Alawa leten Lavateri Alawa kraik Defa Uassi Baguia Osso-Huna

Afaloicai Samalari Haecono Viqueque Uatolari Babulo

(continued)

Table 7.1 (continued)

Land protected area

No Protected area Municipality Post

administrative

Village Estimated

size in hectares (Ha) Vessoro

Afaloicai Uatocarbau Afaloicai

Uani uma

6 Mount Mundo

Perdido

Viqueque Ossu Osso de

Cima

25.000

Loihuno Liaruka Builale

7 Mount Laretema Viqueque Ossu Uaguia 16.429

Ua bubu Baucau Venilale Waioli

Wato-Hako

8 Mount Builo Viqueque Ossu Loihuona

Uaguia Ossue Rua

8.000

Uatolari Matahoi

9 Mount Burabo’o Viqueque Uatocarbao Afaloicai 18.500

Uani Uma

10 Mount Aitana Viqueque Lakluta Irabin Baixo 17.000

Ahik Lalini

11 Mount Bibileo Manatuto Laleia Cairiu 19.000

Viqueque Lacluta Bibileo

Dilo

12 Maunt Diatuto Manatuta Saoibada Fatu

Makerek

15.000

Samoro Laklubar Funar

Fatu Makerek Mane lima

(continued)

Table 7.1 (continued)

Land protected area

No Protected area Municipality Post

administrative

Village Estimated

size in hectares (Ha)

13 Mount Kuri Manatuto Laclo Uma Kaduak 18.000

14 Kay Rala Xanana

Gusmao

Manufahi Same Holarua

Letefoho Rotutu Ainaro Ainaro Mauciga

Sorukraik leolima

15 Clere River Manufahi Faturberlio Uma Berloik 30.000

Dotik Caicasa

16 Modomahut Lake Manufahi Faturbeliu Fatukahi 22

17 Welenas Lake Manufahi Faturberliu Fatukahi 20

18 Maunt Manucoco Dili Atauro Makili 4.000

Vila Manumeta Makadade Beloi

19 Cristo Rei Dili Cristo Rei Camea 1.558

Metiaut

20 Tasi Tolu Lake Dili Dom Alexio Comoro

21 Mount Fatumasin Liquica Bazartete Metagou 4.000

Leorema Fatumasin

22 Mount Guguleur Liquica Maubara Lisadila 13.159

Maubara Lisa

23 Lake Maubara Liquisa Maubara Vatubou

24 Mount

Tatamailau/Remaleu

Ainaro Hatubuilico Nunumoge 20.000

Ainaro Lete Foho

Manutasi Bobo leten Katrai Kraik

(continued)

Table 7.1 (continued)

Land protected area

No Protected area Municipality Post

administrative

Village Estimated

size in hectares (Ha) Atsabe Malabe

25 Mount

Tolobu/Laumeta

26 Mount Leolako Bobonaro Bobonaro Kilatlau 4.700

Maliana Ritabou

Odomau Cailaco Riheu

Atadara Manapa Goulolo Ermera Atsabe Bobo leten

Paramin

27 Mount Tapoa /

Saburai

Bobonaro Lolotoe Gildapil 5.000

Lontas Bobonaro Oeleu Tapo Malianan Leber

Sabuarai Odomau

28 Lake Be Malae Bobonaro Balibo Sanirin

Leolima Aidaba leten

29 Korluli Bobonaro Maliana Ritabou

Tapo/Memo Cailaco Manapa

30 Mount Lakus / Sabi Bobonaro Lolotoe Lontas

Gildapil

31 Mount Taroman Covalima Lolotoe Guda 19.155

Lupal Fatul Lulik Opa Fohorem Dato Rua

Dato Tolu Laktos

(continued)

Table 7.1 (continued)

Land protected area

No Protected area Municipality Post

administrative

Village Estimated

size in hectares (Ha)

32 Tilomar Reserve Covalima Tilomar Maudemo 7.000

Lalawa Kasabauk Beseuk

33 Cutete Oecusse Pante Makasar Costa 13.300

Nipana Bobokase Cunha Lalisu

34 Mount Manoleu Oecusse Nitibe Usitico 20.000

Binife

35 Mangal Citrana Area Oecusse Nitibe Binife 1.000

36 Oebatan Oecusse Nitibe Suni ufe 400

37 Ek Oni Oecusse Nitibe Lela-Uee,

Bana Afi

700

38 Usmetan Oecusse Pantai Makasar Taibako 200

39 Mak fahik Manatuto Barique Manehat

40 Mangrove Metinaro

Area

41 Mangrove Hera Area Dili Cristo Rei Hera

42 Hasan Foun and Onu

Bot Lake

Covalima Tilomar Maudemu 12

Lalawa Beiseuk

43 Bikan Tidi Lake Ainaro Leolina 110

44 Samik Saron Manatuto Barique Barique

Soibada Laclubar

Cribas Manlala Marine protected area

No Protected

area

Municipality Post

administrative

Village Estimation size

in hectare (Ha)

45 Natural

Aquatic

Reserve

Bobonaro Balibo Batugede 112.59

(continued)