Muro : Menjaga Laut Bersama Leluhur

Summary

In Tapobaran Village, the Lamaholot indigenous community is leading efforts in environmental conservation and food security by implementing sustainable fishing practices. With a declining fish population in Nuhanera Bay, the community has adopted the 'muro' system, closing certain marine areas for regeneration. Through traditional rituals, these areas are reopened when agreed upon, ensuring sustainable use of resources. The initiative, backed by local authorities and the community, highlights the importance of combining indigenous knowledge with modern conservation efforts to secure the future of the community and its marine environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Lamaholot indigenous community in Lembata Regency is focusing on environmental conservation and food security using local wisdom.
• 😀 Tapobaran Village, located along offshore waters in Lembata, has experienced a decrease in fish volume in Nuhanera Bay.
• 😀 The community in Tapobaran Village has agreed to regulate the status of their offshore waters, emphasizing sustainable resource management based on customary law.
• 😀 In the past, larger fish were abundant, but by 2020-2022, the community observed a significant decrease in fish size, with catches limited to smaller fish.
• 😀 The community has been actively trying to reduce the capture of smaller fish, hoping to allow the fish population to recover and develop again.
• 😀 The indigenous people regularly engage in socialization to explain the importance of the 'muro' (a status that regulates the area for conservation purposes) to the community.
• 😀 Traditional rituals are performed to determine the status of the waters, with the area being closed for a certain period to prevent the exploitation of marine products.
• 😀 The harvest season for marine products will be agreed upon collectively by the indigenous people and will be marked by a sacred traditional ritual.
• 😀 The community regulates how marine products are caught, but certain practices, like using belela (a specific fishing method), are prohibited due to their environmental impact.
• 😀 The Lamaholot community believes that these conservation practices will be beneficial for future generations, ensuring the sustainability of marine life.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the community's efforts in Tapobaran Village?

The community in Tapobaran Village is focused on environmental conservation and food security, using the local wisdom of the Lamaholot indigenous community to manage natural resources and address the decreasing fish population in Nuhanera Bay.

Why is the fish population in Nuhanera Bay decreasing?

The decreasing fish population in Nuhanera Bay is likely due to overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices, prompting the local community to take action to manage the situation.

What traditional practice does the community use to manage marine resources?

The community uses a traditional practice called 'muro,' where they regulate the capture of marine products by imposing restrictions on certain fishing areas for a set period to allow the fish population to recover.

What is the significance of the muro practice in the community?

The muro practice is important as it allows the community to regulate and protect marine resources, ensuring sustainable fishing practices for future generations. It is rooted in the customary law of the Lamaholot community.

How does the community ensure everyone follows the muro practice?

The community ensures adherence to the muro practice through socialization and continuous education, helping everyone understand its importance and how it benefits the community in the long term.

What role do traditional rituals play in the muro practice?

Traditional rituals play a crucial role in determining the status of the area designated for fishing restrictions. Once the area is closed for a set period, a sacred ritual is performed to mark the reopening of the area for fishing.

How long is the fishing area closed during the muro period?

The fishing area is closed for a certain period, agreed upon by the indigenous people, after which the harvest season begins, and the area is reopened with a sacred traditional ritual.

What is the community's stance on fishing practices after the muro period?

After the muro period, the community regulates how fish should be caught but does not prohibit fishing entirely. Certain fishing methods, such as using belela (a traditional method), are strictly prohibited to protect the habitat.

How does the community ensure the sustainability of their marine resources for future generations?

The community ensures sustainability by practicing traditional resource management methods like the muro, emphasizing regulation over restriction, and educating future generations about the importance of conservation.

What are the community's thoughts on the future impact of their conservation efforts?

The community believes that their conservation efforts, such as regulating fishing, are crucial for the future well-being of their children and grandchildren, ensuring that the marine resources remain available for future generations.