Ataúro and Asosiasaun Turizmu Koleku Mahanak Ataúro (ATKOMA) were recently awarded with the Top 100 Green Destinations Sustainability Stories. Green Destinations appeals to local and regional destinations committed to sustainability to participate in the Top 100 stories competition. More destinations throughout the world are recognizing the significance of progressing toward a more sustainable tourism industry, and sustainable tourism practices are becoming more prevalent. Therefore, Green Destinations challenges every year destinations willing to progress towards a sustainable tourism practice, encouraging them to share their innovative and effective Good Practice Stories, serving as a role model and inspiration for other destinations, tour operators and travellers.
A Good Practice Story
The submission that earned Ataúro its place in the Top 100 was titled “Timor Leste – Reviving cultural traditions and fostering ecotourism development through Tara Bandu Marine Protected Areas”. Tara Bandu is a traditional Timorese customary practice that governs the use of natural resources, and its application to marine protected areas has been instrumental in conserving Ataúro’s world-renowned biodiversity while strengthening community bonds and cultural identity.
ATKOMA was established with support from USAID’s Tourism For All project to give local tourism operators a collective voice and platform for sustainable destination management. The Green Destinations recognition places Ataúro on the international stage as a model for community-led, conservation-centred ecotourism — a significant milestone for one of the world’s most biodiverse islands.
You can find more information on Green Destinations Top 100 Stories on the Green Destinations website.