Forty marine science students from the National University of Timor-Leste had the opportunity to study the renowned coral reefs and marine biodiversity of Atauro Island in a training program conducted by Compass Diving. Supported by a grant from USAID’s Tourism For All Project, the program aimed to develop students’ understanding of the underwater environment and sustainable marine tourism through field experience.
Program Structure
The six-day program was divided into two sections: in-water activities and learning sessions. For many of the young scientists, it was their first experience snorkeling in the ocean and seeing the creatures they had been studying in their natural habitat. Each student was also given the opportunity to:
- Take part in a closely-supervised scuba dive — described by one participant as “a dream come true”
- Join a whale-spotting excursion
- Attend theory presentations covering marine tourism topics
The presentations covered a wide range of subjects, including:
- Fish and coral identification
- Conservation principles
- The potential and challenges facing the whale-watching and dive tourism industries
Marine Tourism and Conservation
The connections between marine tourism and conservation were examined, focusing on possible collaborative links between the two sectors. Topics included:
- Development of marine protected areas partially funded by tourism activities
- How tourism revenues can offset commercial practices that pressure fragile marine ecosystems
Participants visited tourism businesses and communities that depend on local fisheries for their livelihoods. At Beloi market, students observed how many vulnerable species were part of the catch and developed an awareness of the importance of sharing information with local fishermen about protecting the reef — vital both for maintaining fish stocks and sustaining the tourism industry.
Community Engagement
Students visited Vila-Maumeta village and three establishments developed as community projects. Discussions explored the importance of embracing local communities when developing tourism, and the idea that community interactions can leave memories just as lasting as the tourist activities themselves.
Ocean Pollution and Beach Clean-Up
Ocean pollution was another key subject. Students participated in a beach clean-up in the village of Beloi and discussed its negative impacts on the marine environment, including:
- Algae blooms
- Declining seafood quality
- Broader ecosystem degradation
As part of the workshop, students identified the components of rubbish collected on the beach and considered simple individual actions to avoid contributing to marine pollution.
Whale Watching and Student Reflections
Timor-Leste is one of the world’s hotspots for migrating cetaceans, which pass through every year in October and November. Its waters are also home to resident populations of dolphins, pilot whales, and other marine mammals.
Program leader Cassio Schumacher said:
“The participants’ energy, determination, focus, dedication and sheer awe with the in-water activities has been a great, great pleasure to witness and allows us to share the hope of these very same students to possibly pursue a career in the infant marine tourism industry of Timor-Leste or in activities related to conservation of the incredibly biodiverse marine life of the Ombai-Wetar Strait.”
One of the highlights of the program was spotting a whale after a snorkeling session. Schumacher added:
“The joyful moments, the expression of astonishment upon seeing a whale surfacing close to the boat. It was a great opportunity to further strengthen the bond between them and the ocean surrounding their country.”
A Lasting Legacy
The program will have an enduring legacy through the students’ continuing commitment to sharing their experiences and passion for conservation with the public.
Remigio D. Boavida Freitas, originally from Baucau — where reports of illegal shark and turtle fishing are common — commented:
“It was great to learn more about the importance of sharks to our ecosystem and even how important they can be for tourism, as visitors would be happy to see more sharks in our waters. When coming back to my district, I will try to talk with the community leaders in order to bring this information to the people from my village.”
On the final night of the field trip, Deonisio Barreto Viana Rangel summed up the experience:
“Having the chance to participate in this program and learn more about tourism, our oceans and also to feel part of this environment is something we appreciate so much. Knowing that such opportunities don’t come around all the time, we hope to continue spreading the messages about the importance of tourism and conservation to our friends and family.”
Source: Compass Diving