La Nafsahu is a local leader dedicated and committed to advocate Waisum community to protect their marine resources. He is one of USAID SEA Project’s Pejuang Laut (Champion of the Sea). His dedication toward marine conservation serves as a beacon of light to many.
Amir Mukadar sat in the corner of Juanga Village Office. People greeted him with big smiles and jokes in the Maluku way. A leader of a POKMASWAS (Community-based Surveillance Group) since 2014, Amir is always enthusiastic at marine conservation awareness meetings.
Sea turtles have been living in Fatkauyon undisturbed for hundreds of years. However, in the last 20 years as the local village population grew, some villagers have started to disturb the sea turtle’s nesting grounds. Villagers were tempted to trade sea turtles and its eggs to earn money.
“The sea is an open space which can be used to fulfill one’s livelihood; however, a well-managed marine habitat can improve the livelihoods and futures of its coastal communities. It is time to develop marine conservation areas and sustainable fishery in Maluku so that it may become a magnet for
