Waitt Institute 284d ago

Facing declining fish stocks and increasing pressure on marine resources, the community of Laone village declared their reef tabu, a no-take Marine Protected Area. Through traditional ceremonies led by chiefs, the sea was closed, marked with namele leaves and stones, and the community came together to protect their reef through kastom. Since the protection began in 2020, fish and marine life have returned in abundance, with a Fisheries study showing an increase in fish count from 600 to 14,000 in just four years. The film features voices from the Laone community, including Majorie Tari, Charles Vatu, Chief Joseph Rihu, as well as the President of the Malvatumauri, who reflect on the reef’s recovery and the importance of community-led marine protection. Laone Lamalama is a living example of a successful, locally-led traditional Marine Protected Area, showing how Vanuatu’s kastom continues to protect the ocean and sustain communities for future generations. Want to learn more about community-led marine protection? Follow @BlueProsperityVanuatu on Facebook for the latest updates. Consultations with communities and key stakeholders on sustainable ocean management are coming soon. Video produced in collaboration with @savvyvanuatu