THE TIMOR-LESTE COASTAL / MARINE HABITAT MAPPING FOR TOURISM AND FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT PROJECT NO 1 Marine & Coastal Habitat Mapping in Timor Leste (North Coast) Final Report Boggs. G., Edyvane, K., de Carvalho, N., Penny, S., Rouwenhorst, J., Brocklehurst, P., Cowie, I., Barreto, C., Amaral, A., Smit, N., Monteiro, J., Mau, R., Amaral, J., Fernandes, L. June 2009
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THE TIMOR-LESTE COASTAL / MARINE HABITAT
MAPPING FOR TOURISM AND FISHERIES
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
PROJECT NO 1
Marine & Coastal Habitat Mapping in Timor Leste (North Coast) Final Report
Boggs. G., Edyvane, K., de Carvalho, N., Penny, S., Rouwenhorst, J., Brocklehurst,
P., Cowie, I., Barreto, C., Amaral, A., Smit, N., Monteiro, J., Mau, R., Amaral, J.,
Fernandes, L.
June 2009
ii
Marine & Coastal Habitat Mapping in Timor Leste (North Coast) – Final Report
Date: June 2009 Acknowledgement This Project was funded by the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, Government of Timor Leste and was undertaken by the following staff of the Ministry, in collaboration with researchers from Charles Darwin University (CDU) and the Northern Territory Government, Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport (NRETAS):
Guy Boggs (CDU), Karen Edyvane (NRETAS), Narciso de Carvalho (MAF-Fisheries), Shane Penny (NRETAS), Juno Rouwenhorst (CDU), Peter Brocklehurst (NRETAS), Ian Cowie (NRETAS), Celestino Barreto de Cunha (MAF-Fisheries), Anselmo Lopes Amaral (MAF-Fisheries), Neil Smit (NRETAS), Jose Monteiro (MAF-Fisheries), Pedro Pinto (MAF-Protected Areas), Raimundo Mau (ALGIS), Joao Xavier Amaral (MAF-Fisheries), Lucas Fernandes (MAF-Fisheries).
Café e Floressta
Agricultura Pescas
Loro Matan
This project is a recognised project under the Arafura Timor Seas Experts Forum (ATSEF). Citation This document should be cited as: Boggs G, Edyvane K, de Carvalho N, Penny S, Rouwenhorst J, Brocklehurst P, Cowie I, Barreto C, Amaral A, Smit N, Monteiro J, Pinto P, Mau R, Amaral J, Fernandes L. (2009). Marine & Coastal Habitat Mapping in Timor Leste (North Coast) – Final Report. Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, Government of Timor Leste.
Copyright of Photographs Cover Photos: Main: Karen Edyvane Central photographs left to right: Shane Penny, Guy Boggs, Karen Edyvane, Karen Edyvane, Tony Ayling, Shane Penny
5.2.1 Distribution ..........................................................................................................525.2.2 Species Diversity .................................................................................................535.2.3 Community Structure ...........................................................................................555.2.4 Current Uses and Threats ....................................................................................56
AppendicesAppendix 1: Timor Leste inshore marine habitat field survey classification system .........................64
Appendix 2: Timor Leste marine habitat mapping field data survey sheet (and MS Access database) ..............................................................................................................65
Appendix 3: Timor Leste coastal vegetation field survey data collection sheet ...............................66
Appendix 4: Terrestrial plant species recorded in the Timor Leste coastal field surveys .................. 67
Appendix 5: Comparison of Timor Leste field survey coastal vegetation groupings with broad mapping classes ..............................................................................................................................68
Appendix 6: ‘Reef Check’ Training and Surveys in Timor Leste .......................................................69
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Acknowledgements
This project received significant support from organisations and individuals throughout.
We would particularly like to thank the Government of Timor-Leste, and specifically the
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for their long-term support in this project.
Within MAFF, we would particularly like to thank Narciso de Carvalho, Anselmo Lopes
Amaral, Adriano "Dani" Fernandes do Karmo, Joaõ D.M. dos Reis, Jose Monteiro,
Carlos de Jesus and Raimundo Mau for assistance. When in Timor-Leste, Mike
Gallagher’s support, as the NT Government representative in Dili, was invaluable.
Dimity Boggs provided valuable input and review of the draft report.
Finally, a very special thankyou to all staff from the Marine and Biodiversity Group
(NRETAS, NT Government) and CDU Tropical Spatial Science Group that provided
important support, input and valuable feedback throughout the project.
Page 3 of 68
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Project Title: Marine & Coastal Habitat Mapping in Timor Leste Project Leaders: Guy Boggs (CDU), Karen Edyvane (NRETAS, NT Government) Project Participants: Narciso de Carvalho (MAF-Fisheries), Shane Penny (NRETAS), Juno Rouwenhorst (CDU), Peter Brocklehurst (NRETAS), Ian Cowie (NRETAS), Celestino Barreto de Cunha (MAF-Fisheries), Anselmo Lopes Amaral (MAF-Fisheries), Neil Smit (NRETAS), Jose Monteiro (MAF-Fisheries), Pedro Pinto (MAF-Protected Areas), Raimundo Mau (ALGIS), Joao Xavier Amaral (MAF-Fisheries), Lucas Fernandes (MAF-Fisheries).
Introduction The maritime estate of Timor-Leste, encompasses over 700 km of coastline (and the islands of Atauro and Jaco), within a region of globally-significant tropical marine biodiversity. Timor Leste however, also faces major human development challenges – with some of the highest levels of population growth, infant mortality, malnutrition, unemployment, illiteracy and food insecurity in the South East Asia. With many coastal communities highly dependent on coastal resources - knowledge of the distribution, nature and ecological condition of coastal and marine biodiversity and resources is essential to underpin conservation, ecosystem-based planning and sustainable use and also, regional economic development (particularly fisheries, aquaculture and coastal-marine ecotourism). Habitat mapping is vital for the both, the planning of individual Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and MPA networks, and also, to assist with multiple-use zoning and assisting sustainable coastal resource use and development. While the north coast of Timor-Leste is highly valued for its contribution to local livelihoods, particularly through ecotourism and fisheries-based activities, no broad-scale, habitat mapping currently exists for this region. The primary aim of the present study was to undertake broadscale survey and mapping of the marine and coastal habitats of the north coast of Timor-Leste, to assist with future coastal-marine conservation, planning, and regional sustainable development. Remote Sensing Mapping of the coastal and shallow marine habitats surrounding Timor Leste was undertaken using Landsat TM/ETM+ imagery – using both, object-based and pixel-based analysis techniques. The cloud, tidal and seasonal characteristics of Landsat imagery captured between 2003 and 2006 were identified with two images selected based on low cloud cover, optimal water quality and low tide conditions. These images were analysed using object based image analysis (OBIA) in Definiens® software, an approach that initially segments the imagery and then classifies objects based on their spatial, spectral and textural characteristics. A segmentation approach and class hierarchy developed based on subset study regions was applied to the entire northern coastline and the output mapping edited in ESRI ArcGIS® to create a final map product. Field Surveys Field surveys in November 2007 collected detailed information about the structure and composition of the Timor-Leste northern coastlines marine and coastal habitats. The data from almost 1000 geo-referenced points were analysed using standard geomorphological, benthic marine and terrestrial vegetation classification schemes,
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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based on geomorphic, structural and compositional characteristics (ie. Mather & Bennett 1994, English et al.1997, National Vegetation Information System of Australia). Mangrove communities were also mapped at a fine-scale through interpretation of 1:10,000 aerial photography. Field ground-truthing (of remotely sensed maps) in November 2007, focussed around 6 locations along the Timor Leste coast – Metinaro, Manatuto, Baucau, Com, Jaco and Lore. Detailed surveys of habitats undertaken in the area of proposed Nino Conis Sanatana Marine Park (Com-Tutuala-Lore). The coastal survey collected >1000 points across 5 of the training areas, with existing data collected by the NT Herbarium utilised for Lore. Data collected included locational information, vegetation structure and composition of dominant species (in upper, mid and ground levels), ground cover and simple soil characteristics. Mangrove and saltmarsh specialists (from NRETAS) also undertook detailed floristic surveys within the 6 training areas. The complementary marine survey sampled a total of 724 sites within the 6 training areas, using local boats (and accommodation) from coastal fishing communities. Field data was collected using both geomorphological and biological criteria (adapted from Mumby & Harborne 1999), and undertaken via both, visual census and remote underwater video. Reef condition (ie. bleaching, anchor damage, Crown of Thorns, eutrophication, etc.) was also assessed. Sampling within training areas focussed (where possible) on systematic, cross-shelf transects (perpendicular to the coast) to enable reef profiles to be developed. Marine and Coastal Habitat Map Based on the results of remote sensing analyses and the coastal-marine “field ground-truthing”, a broad scale (1:100k) map of the coastal and marine habitats of the north and east coast of Timor-Leste has been produced. The smallest mapped element is 0.1ha and largest is 1040 ha with a mean polygon size of 10ha (excluding the ‘Deep Water’ class). As expected, the dataset is highly linear, having a maximum ‘width’ of approximately 3km (covering marine and coastal habitats), with much of the mapping being less than 1km in width. The classification identified a total of 6 marine habitat types and 7 coastal habitat types. The marine nearshore zone is characterised by a narrow reef flat (often < 60m wide, but up to almost 1km), dominated by seagrass in shallower water (approximately 2,200ha) and corals in deeper water and on the escarpment (approximately 2,000ha). A mixed-cover class, which included low covers of coral or seagrass and bare areas, occupied 1,250 ha. Within the coastal habitats, mangroves occupied 750ha, the largest stand being in the Metinaro region. Detailed mangrove mapping (1:10,000) identified a total of 20 mangrove communities with clear zonation patterns. Bare areas (including salt flats and beaches) occupied 1,100ha, while the vegetation was dominated by savannas, with 3,750ha of open woodland or shrubland, 1,935ha of open forest or woodland and 1,050ha of coastal forest. Intensive agriculture (2,200ha) and built up areas (1730ha) were also a prominent feature of the northern coastline of Timor Leste. The very limited extent of coral reef, seagrass and mangrove habitats on the north coast of Timor Leste, impose strong limits on available marine resources and levels of harvest (particularly reef fisheries, mangroves) and in the light of increasing human resource use, underscore the urgent need for precautionary and effective conservation management.
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Importantly, the coastal mapping has revealed significant and ongoing coastal habitat loss in Timor Leste. As such, total mangrove extent has reduced from 9,000ha in 1940, to 3,035ha in 2000 (FA0 2003) to just 1,802 ha recorded in 2008, ie. ~40% loss between 2000-2008, or disturbingly, an approximate 80% loss of total mangrove habitat since 1940. Mangrove trees are harvested for timber and fuel wood and in some instances hinterland mangroves have been removed for brackish water shrimp and/or fish ponds. Validation of the final mapping identified overall accuracies of 83% and 92% for the coastal and marine habitats respectively. However, the broad definition of some habitat classes indicate that these accuracies should be interpreted with some caution and greater value can be found in the comparison of the detailed field survey classes identified within each broader habitat class. Capacity-Building and TL Engagement The project was well-supported by the project partners, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) – with a wide range of training outcomes. Training in marine species identification and also, coral reef monitoring was considered a major training priority for MAF staff. Training in survey, marine species identification and ongoing monitoring of coral reef habitats (including fish, invertebrates) was undertaken using the international, ‘ReefCheck’ protocol (www.reefcheck.org). Under the TL ‘ReefCheck’ Project, 3 trainers were trained to deliver ‘ReefCheck’ training and a total of 12 MAF staff were trained – with 3 certified as Eco-Divers. ‘ReefCheck’ training was undertaken using both, the SCUBA-based protocol and the snorkel-based protocol – and with the training delivered both, in English and in Indonesian – using Indonesian training material and products. Two MAF staff have also received training in marine taxonomy, as part of a 5-day, Marine Polychaete Taxonomy Workshop (1-5 October 2007) held in Darwin, by the NT Museum & Art Gallery (NRETAS). The field surveys were also strongly supported by MAF staff (Fisheries, Protected Areas) and ALGIS, with a total of 4 staff assisting the coastal survey and 9 in the marine field survey. Knowledge was shared on terrestrial plant identification and vegetation structural description, as well as GPS data collection techniques and also through a ½ day marine workshop on the use of GPS, depth sounders and remote underwater videos, and the benthic habitat classification. MAF staff also assisted with the organisation of the field logistics (ie. liaison with local communities, boat hire, accommodation, etc.). MAF Priorities & Recommendations 1. In identifying GoTL priorities for further coastal-marine habitat mapping, MAF have
highlighted the need to address priorities for MPA network planning in Timor Leste - particularly, within the context of the broader, MPA network planning in the Lesser Sunda region being undertaken collaboratively with Indonesia (and The Nature Conservancy). To this end, MAF have identified the following priorities for further mapping: (1) west of Dili, including proposed sites for MPAs (high priority); (2) Oecussi (low priority); (3) south coast (low priority). Coastal (terrestrial) mapping and marine mapping were both identified as of equal importance.
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2. In identifying GoTL mapping priorities, finer-scale mapping for the Nino Konis Santana Marine Park was identified by MAF as the highest habitat mapping priority, building on mapping being undertaken by ALGIS. Areas need to be prioritised for finer-scale mapping and a common classification scheme developed for the Timor Leste region. Capacity building was identified as high priority as it would deliver skills and knowledge for MAF (Fisheries/ALGIS) staff to specifically undertake mapping and spatial data analysis at both, the fine and broad-scale.
3. MAF have identified capacity-building (training and equipment) in coastal-marine
habitat mapping between Timor Leste, Australia (Northern Territory) and Indonesia (Nusa Tengarra Timor), as a high priority. Further, the need for a common classification scheme (and scales of information) and methods, across the region has also been identified as a key priority. This could be implemented through a regional, coastal mapping workshop, with participants from MAF (Fisheries/ALGIS), Nusa Tengarra Timor and the Northern Territory. This workshop would define terms of reference between the 3 countries on classification schemes and priorities and also, develop a plan of action. MAF also identified the need to train 2-3 staff in marine and coastal GIS and remote sensing techniques, in partnership with CDU.
4. Database training and knowledge management (and also, awareness of Intellectual
Property) is a priority area for training of MAF (and other GoTL agency staff). With knowledge capture and the building of GIS and knowledge systems, training is required by MAF staff in database management, data standards, Intellectual Property and formal data agreements. MAF have also identified database training and knowledge management as a priority area for capacity-building and training of MAF and GoTL staff.
5. MAF recognise the importance of Intellectual Property and knowledge management
and recommend that all requests for data/information arising from work currently undertaken by MAF (and the Government of Timor Leste) (including this partnership program) should be subject to a formal data agreement.
6. Under the CTI National Plan of Action for Timor Leste, the Wetar Strait is priority
‘seascape’ requiring deep water habitat mapping. MAF, however, do not consider this a mapping priority, given the current priorities and lack of capacity and resources within MAF.
7. Given the success of the ‘ReefCheck’ program in Timor Leste, MAF have identified
the need to support and expand the existing MAF ‘ReefCheck’ survey program and team in Timor Leste. This includes establishing regular monitoring, 2-4 times year per site and increasing the number of sites across the northern coast. It was recommended that: (a) the reef survey program use ‘ReefCheck’ and also, other survey methods; (b) include impacted sites; and (c) establish regular monitoring sites within the Nino Konis Santana Marine Park (both, inside and outside the park).
8. MAF have identified the need to build on the TL ‘ReefCheck’ program (and results)
and develop a school-based, marine education and public awareness program, to highlight the status, condition and threats facing coral reefs in Timor Leste. In the Com-Tutuala region, this education campaign could be a component of a broader, Marine Park community outreach and education program.
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Projetu Naran: Mapeamentu ba Habitat iha tasi-Ibun no Tasi-Laran Timor-Leste Lider sira Projetu nian: Guy Boggs (CDU), Karen Edyvane (NRETAS) Partisipante sira iha Projetu ne’e: Narciso de Carvalho (MAF-Fisheries), Shane Penny (NRETAS), Juno Rouwenhorst (CDU), Peter Brocklehurst (NRETAS), Ian Cowie (NRETAS), Celestino Barreto de Cunha (MAF-Fisheries), Anselmo Lopes Amaral (MAF-Fisheries), Neil Smit (NRETAS), Jose Monteiro (MAF-Fisheries), Pedro Pinto (MAF-Protected Areas), Raimundo Mau (ALGIS), Joao Xavier Amaral (MAF-Peska), Lucas Fernandes (MAF-Peska). Introdusaun Propriedade marítimu Timor-Leste nian engloba área tasi-ibun (ka kosteira) liu kilómetru 700 (no tan illa Atauro no Jaco), iha rejiaun ida ne’ebé globalmente iha signifikadu bio-diversidade marítima tropikál. Maibé, Timor-Leste hasoru mós dezafiu boot ida kona-ba dezenvolvimentu umanu – ho kreximentu populasionál balu ne’ebé aas tebes iha Sudeste Asia nia laran, mortalidade infantil, malnutrisaun, dezempregu, analfabetizmu, falta seguransa ai-han nian. Ho populasaun barak iha zona kosteira ne’ebé depende ba rekursus iha tasi-ibun – importante tebes hasa’e koñesimentu kona-ba distribuisaun, bio-diversidade tasi-ibun no tasi-laran (kosteira no marina) nia kondisaun natural no ekolójika atu bele sustenta protesaun, planeamentu ida ne’ebé bazeia ba eko-sistema no uzu sustentavel no mós dezenvolvimentu ekonómiku rejionál (liliu peska, aqua-kultura no eko-turizmu kosteiru no mariñu). Mapeamentu kona-ba habitat ne’e importante tebes hodi halo planeamentu ba Area Mariña Protejida idaidak (MPAs) no ba rede MPA ninian, no mós atu fó asisténsia ba zoneamentu uzu-múltiplu no asisténsia ba uzu sustentavel no dezenvolvimentu ba rekursus sira iha tasi-ibun. Kosta norte Timor-Leste nian iha valór boot tebes tanba kontribuisaun ne’ebé nia fó ba populasaun lokál nia moris, liliu husi eko-turizmu no atividade sira ne’ebé bazeia ba peska, maibé sei dauk iha mapeamentu no peskiza ida iha eskala luan ba rejiaun ne’e. Estudu ida-ne’e nia objetivu prinsipál mak atu halo mapeamentu no peskiza ba habitat sira iha tasi-ibun no tasi-laran Timor-Leste nian hodi fó asisténsia ba konservasaun, planeamentu no dezenvolvimentu sustentavel iha rejiaun ne’e iha futuru. Sensoriamentu husi distánsia Uza Land sat TM/ETM+ imajen – objetu baze no téknika análize ne’ebé bazeia ba pixel – halo ona mapeamentu ba habitat mariñu sira iha tasi-ibun hadulas Timor-Leste. Identifika ona kaloan, laloran no karaterístika temporál husi Landsat nia imajen ne’ebé hasai entre 2003 no 2006 no hili ona imajen rua (2), bazeia ba kaloan menus, bee nia kualidade di’ak tebes no kondisaun laloran nian badak. Uza objetu análize imajen ninian (object based image analysis, OBIA), husi Definiens® software, halo ona análize ba imajen hirak ne’e. Prosesu ne’e uluk nanain fahe imajen sira iha grupu hafoin tuir mai klasifika objetu hirak ne’e tuir sira-nia karaterístika espasiál, espectral (spectral) no textural (textural). Aplika ona prosesu segmentasaun (fahe ba grupu) no klase kategoria nian, ho baze iha estudu subkonjuntu iha rejiaun sira, ba kosta norte tomak Timor-Leste nian, no halo sai mapeamentu ida ne’ebé editadu iha ESRI ArcGIS ® atu kria mapa finál ida. Peskiza sira iha terrenu
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Peskiza sira ne’ebé hala’o iha terrenu, iha Novembru 2007, halibur ona informasaun ho detalle kona-ba estrutura no kompozisaun liña kosteira iha parte norte Timor-Leste nian no sira-nia habitat. Uza padraun geomorfológico, bêntico marinho no sistema klasifikasaun ba ai-moris iha rai leten, bazeia ba geomórfico, estrutura no kompozisaun sira-nia karaterístika (ezemplu, Mather & Bennett 1994, English et al.1997, National Vegetation Information System of Australia), halo ona análize ba dadus husi pontos georreferenciados besik rehun ida (1000). Halo mós mapeamentu ba komunidade ai-tasi iha fine-scale ida husi interpretasaun ba fotografia aérea 1:10,000. Ground-trutting ne’ebé hala’o iha Novembru 2007 (mapas de teledetecção), foka ba fatin neen (6) nune’e iha kosta Timor-Leste nian - Metinaro, Manatuto, Baucau, Com, Jaco no Lore. Halo ona peskiza detalladu ba habitat sira iha área propostu Parke Mariñu Nino Konis Santana (Com-Tutuala-Lore). Peskiza ne’ebé halo iha tasi-ibun ne’e halibur pontu rehun ida (1000) husi área formasaun lima, ho dadus ne’ebé NT Herbarium halibur hodi uza ba Loré. Dadus detalladu sira inklui informasaun kona-ba fatin, estrutura vegetação nian no espésie dominante sira-nia kompozisaun (iha rai tetuk, médiu no aas), no karaterístika kobertura rai nian no rai simples. Espesialista sira kona-ba ai-oan moris iha tasi-ibun no marisma (salt marsh), husi NRETAS, halo mós levantamentu florístico (floristic) iha área formasaun neen (6) nia laran. Uza roho (no fatin-hela) husi populasaun peskadór lokál, peskiza mariñu komplementár halibur fatin hamutuk 724 iha área neen (6) formasaun ninian. Uza kritériu geomorfológico no biolójiku (adaptadu husi MUMBY & Harborne 1999), sira halibur dadus iha terrenu, no uza censo visual no vídeo subaquático husi distánsia. Halo mós avaliasaun ba kondisaun au-ruin ninian (branqueamento, estragu husi âncora, Crown of Thorns, eutrophication no seluk tan). Ezemplar ka amostra sira iha área formasaun nia laran (se bele) foka ba transecções sistemáticas, cross-prateleira (liña perpendikular tasi-ibun ninian) atu bele dezenvolve au-ruin sira-nia perfil. Mapa habitat Kosteiru no Mariñu Bazeia ba rezultadu sira husi análize sensoriál husi distánsia no bazeia ba “field ground-truthing” kosteiru-mariñu, halo ona mapa ida ho eskala boot tebes (1:100 k) kona-ba habitat kosteiru no mariñu iha kosta norte no leste Timor-Leste nian. Elementu mapeadu ki’ik liu mak 0.1ha no boot liu mak 1040 ha, ho nia luan média polígono 10ha (ne’e la sura ho kategoria ‘Deep Water' ka bee-kle’an). Hanesan ita hein tiha ona, dadus hirak ne’e lineár tebetebes, ho nia ‘largura’ másimu 3 km (abranje habitat tasi-ibun no tasi-laran nian), ho mapeamentu barak liu mak la liu kilómetru 1 largura (1 km). Klasifikasaun ne’e hetan habitat mariñu oin neen (6) no habitat kosteiru oin hitu (7). Mariñu iha zona tasi-ninin nian halo parte au-ruin kloot ida no tetuk/belar (ne’ebé jeralmente iha metru 60 largura, maibé to’o besik kilometru 1), ne’ebé duut-tasi mak domina iha bee tetuk ka planu (besik 2.200 ha) no au-ruin iha bee kle’an liu no iha escarpa (escarpment) nia leten (besik 2.000 ha). Mistura klase kobertura, ne’ebé inklui menus kobertura ba au-ruin ka duut-tasi no área sira mamuk, okupa 1.250 ha. Iha habitat kosteiru sira-nia laran, ai-tasi sira okupa 750ha. Detalle husi mapeamentu kona-ba ai-tasi sira (1:10.000) identifika komunidade ai-tasi ruanulu (20) ho padraun klaru kona-ba zoneamentu. Area mamuk sira (inklui kopartimentu masin nian no praias) okupa 1.100 ha, enkuantu savana sira (ai-laran) ne’ebé domina vegetação, ho 3.750ha ai-laran ka de floresta aberta ka arbustu, 1.935 ha floresta aberta ka floresta no 1.050 ha floresta kosteira. Area ne’ebé iha agrikultura intensiva (2.200 ha) no área ne’ebé populasaun hela (1730h), halo mós parte hanesan karaterístika importante tebes kosta norte Timor-Leste nian.
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Habitat au-ruin, duut-tasi no ai-tasi nia estensaun limitadu iha kosta norte Timor-Leste nian inpoin limitasaun boot ba rekursus ne’ebe eziste iha tasi-laran no nivel colheita nian (harvest) (liliu au-ruin, ai-tasi sira); tanba utilizasaun rekursus umanus nian aumenta, presiza harii lalais jestaun kona-ba konservasaun preventiva no efikás. Importante liu, mapa tasi-ibun nian hatudu katak habitat iha tasi-ibun lakon barak ona no kontinua lakon nafatin iha Timor-Leste. Nune’e, ai-tasi nia estensaun totál redús husi hectare 9,000 iha 1940 ba hectare 3,035 iha 2000 (FAO 2003) no tun ba hectare 1,802 ne’ebé rejista iha 2008, ezemplu: lakon pursentu 40 (40%) entre 2000-2008, ka aat liu tan ne’e, lakon ai-tasi nia habitat totál besik 80% hahú husi 1940. Ema tesi ai-tasi atu halo ai-kabelak no ai-maran, no dala ruma hasai tiha ai-tasi iha rai leten hodi hakiak boek-oan iha bee merak no/ka halo debun ba ikan. Validasaun husi mapeamentu final identifika katak iha jerál hetan 83% ezatidaun (accuracies) ba habitat kosteira no 92% ezatidaun ba habitat mariña. Maibé, definisaun jerál ba habitat nia kategoria balu hatudu katak ita presiza interpreta ezatidaun hirak ne’e ho kuidadu, no bele hetan valor boot liu bainhira halo komparasaun entre levanatamentu husi kategoria peskiza iha terrenu iha klase habitat idaidak ne’ebé luan liu. Kapasitasaun no TL nia Kometimentu Projetu ne’e simu apoiu di’ak husi ninia parseiru sira, Ministériu Agrikultura no Peska (MAF) – ho rezultadu lubun ida husi formasaun. Treinu kona-ba oinsá atu identifika espésie mariña no mós monitorizasaun ba au-ruin, ne’e konsidera hanesan prioridade boot ida ba funsionáriu MAF sira-nia treinamentu. Uza protokolu internasionál ‘ReefCheck’ (www.reefcheck.org), halo ona treinu kona-ba peskiza, identifikasaun ba espésie mariña sira no monitorizasaun permanente ba au-ruin nia habitat sira (inklui ikan, invertebrados). Iha Projetu TL 'ReefCheck' nia laran, treinadór na’in tolu simu ona treinu atu hala’o treinu kona-ba "ReefCheck’, no funsionáriu MAF hamutuk ema na’in 12 mak simu ona treinu ne’e – ne’ebé na’in tolu hetan sertifikadu hanesan Eco-Divers. Uza protokolu ne’ebé bazeia ba SCUBA no protokolu ne’ebé bazeia ba snorkel, hala’o ona treinu kona-ba ‘ReefCheck’ – treinu ne’e hala’o iha lia-Indonesia no lia-Inglés – no uza material no produtu sira husi Indonesia. MAF nia funsionáriu na’in rua simu mós treinu kona-ba taxonomia marinha, hanesan parte iha workshop ida ne’ebé Museum & Art Gallery (NRETAS) hala’o iha Darwin, NT, durante loron lima (1-5 Outubru 2007) kona-ba Marine Polychaete Taxonomy. Levantamentu iha terrenu mós simu apoiu maka’as husi MAF nia funsionáriu (Peska, Area Protejida) no ALGIS, ho funsionáriu hamutuk na’in haat (4) ne’ebé fó asisténsia ba peskiza kosteira no na’in sia (9) ba peskiza iha área mariña nian. Sira fahe koñesimentu identifikasaun ninian kona-ba ai-oan moris sira iha rai leten (plantas terrestres) no deskrisaun estruturál kona-ba ai-laran (vegetação), no mós téknika kona-ba halibur dadus GPS no mós liu husi workshop loron-balu nia laran kona-ba oinsá atu uza GPS, profundidade acústica (depth sounders) video submarinu no klasifikasaun ba habitats bênticos (benthic habitat). MAF nia funsionáriu sira mós simu apoiu kona-ba organizasaun lojístika iha terrenu (ezemplu, ligasaun ho komunidade lokál sira, aluga roho, toba-fatin no seluk tan). MAF nia Prioridade no Lia-Menon
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1. Bainhira identifika GoTL nia prioridade sira atu halo tan mapa ba riku-soin iha tasi-laran no tasi-ibun sira-nia habitat, MAF hateten katak iha nesesidade boot atu fó prioridade ba MPA nia rede planeamentu iha Timor-Leste laran – liliu, iha kontestu jerál, tanba MPA nia rede planeamentu iha rejiaun Lesser Sunda hala’o daudaun ona ho Indonesia (no ho Konservasaun Natureza). Kona-ba ne’e, MAF identifika ona prioridade sira tuir mai ne’e, ne’ebé atu halo tan mapa: (1) parte loromunu Dili nian, inklui área hirak ne’ebé propoin ona ba MPA (prioridade boot); (2) Oecusse (prioridade ki’ik); (3) kosta tasi-mane nian (prioridade ki’ik). Mapa kosta nian (rai leten) no mapa tasi-laran nian identifika ona katak iha importánsia hanesan.
ba Parke Mariñu Nino Konis Santana hanesan mapeamentu habitat nian ne’ebé iha prioridade boot liu. ALGIS harii daudaun ona baze ba mapeamentu ne’e. Presiza fó prioridade ba área sira ne’ebé atu halo mapeamentu eskala finu no dezenvolve sistema klasifikasaun komún ba rejiaun Timor-Leste nian. Identifika ona katak prioridade boot mak kapasitasaun hodi hato’o kompeténsia no koñesimentu ba MAF nia funsionáriu sira (Peska/ALGIS) atu halo espesifikamente mapa no análize ba dadus espasiál sira, iha eskala finu no mós eskala globál.
3. MAF identifika ona kapasitasaun (treinu no ekipamentu) kona-ba mapeamentu ba habitat sira tasi-laran no tasi-ibun entre Timor-Leste, Australia (Territoriu Norte) no Indonesia (Nusa Tengara Timur) hanesan prioridade ida boot. Alende ne’e, identifika mós nesesidade atu estabelese sistema no métodu identifikasaun (no eskala informasaun nian) komún ba rejiaun tomak hanesan prioridade prinsipál ida. Bele implementa ne’e husi workshop ida kona-ba mapeamentu ba tasi-laran no tasi-ibun, rejionál, ho partisipante sira husi MAF (Peska/ALGIS), Nusa Tengara Timur no Territóriu Norte. Workshop ne’e bele define termu referénsia kona-ba sistema klasifikasaun no prioridade sira entre nasaun tolu ne’e, no mós dezenvolve planu asaun ida. MAF identifika mós katak iha nesesidade atu fó treinu ba funsionáriu na’in 2-3 kona-ba GIS tasi-laran no tasi-ibun no téknika sensoriamentu remotu, husi parseria ho CDU.
4. Treinu kona-ba banku-dadus no jestaun koñesimentu nian (no mós koñesimentu
kona-ba Propriedade Intelektual) ne’e área prioridade ida ne’ebé atu fó treinu ba MAF (no ba funsionáriu sira husi GoTL nia ajénsia sira seluk). Ho koñesimentu ne’ebé hetan no konstrusaun sistema GIS no koñesimentu nian, MAF nia funsionáriu sira presiza simu treinu kona-ba jestaun banku-dadus, padraun dadus nian, Propriedade Intelektual no akordu formál kona-ba dadus. MAF identifika mós treinu kona-ba banku-dadus no jestaun koñesimentu nian hanesan área prioridade kapasitasaun no treinu ninian ba MAF no GoTL nia funsionáriu sira.
5. MAF rekoeñse katak Propriedade Intelektual no jestaun koñesimentu nian importante no hameno katak pedidu hotu-hotu ne’ebé mai husi servisu ne’ebé hala’o daudaun husi MAF (no Governu Timor-Leste) (inklui parseria husi programa ne’e) tenke submete ba akordu formál ida kona-ba dadus.
6. Tuir Planu Asaun Nasionál CTI ba Timor-Leste, Wetar Strait (Estreitu Wetar) ne’e ‘seascape’ prioritáriu ida ne’ebé presiza mapeamentu ba habitat iha bee-kle’an. Maibé, MAF la konsidera ne’e hanesan prioridade atu halo mapa tanba prioridade sira ne’ebé iha no falta kapasidade no rekursus iha MAF nia laran.
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7. Haree ba susesu programa ‘ReefCheck’ nian iha Timor-Leste, MAF identifika katak iha nesesidade atu fó apoiu no haluan MAF nia programa no ekipa peskiza ‘ReefCheck’ ne’ebé eziste iha Timor-Leste. Ida-ne’e inklui monitorizasaun regulár, dala 2-4 tinan ida ba fatin ida, no hasa’e númeru fatin nian iha kosta tasi-feto. Hameno katak: (a) atu uza programa ‘ReefCheck’ no mós métodu sira seluk hodi halo peskiza ba au-ruin; (b) atu inkui fatin hirak ne’ebé hetan impaktu; no (c) atu define fatin atu halo monitorizasaun regulár iha Parke Mariñu Nino Konis Santana (iha parke nia laran no nia li’ur).
8. MAF identifika katak iha nesesidade atu dezenvolve iha programa (no rezultadu
sira) ‘ReefCheck’ Timor-Leste ne’ebé mak iha ona no halo programa kona-ba sensibilizasaun públika no edukasaun kona-ba riku-soin tasi nian iha eskola sira hodi hatudu au-ruin sira iha Timor-Leste nia estatutu, kondisaun no ameasa ne’ebé sira hasoru. Iha rejiaun Com-Tutuala, kampaña edukasaun ne’e bele sai hanesan komponente ida husi programa edukasaun komunitária kona-ba Parke Mariñu.
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Título do Projecto: Mapeamento de Habitats Marinhos e Costeiros em Timor-Leste Líderes do Projecto: Guy Boggs (CDU), Karen Edyvane (NRETAS, Governo do
Northern Territory) Participantes no Projecto: Narciso Almeida de Carvalho (MAP – Pescas), Shane Penny (NRETAS), Juno Rouwenhorst (CDU), Peter Brocklehurst (NRETAS), Ian Cowie (NRETAS), Celestino da Cunha Barreto (MAP – Pescas), Anselmo Lopes Amaral (MAP – Pescas), Neil Smit (NRETAS), José Monteiro (MAP – Pescas), Pedro Pinto (MAP – Áreas Protegidas), Raimundo Mau (MAP – ALGIS), João Xavier Amaral (MAP – Pescas), Lucas Fernandes (MAP – Pescas). Introdução Timor-Leste tem uma linha de costa de mais de 700 km (e as ilhas de Ataúro e Jaco), numa região de biodiversidade marinha tropical globalmente significativa. No entanto, Timor-Leste depara-se com enormes desafios de desenvolvimento humano, com os maiores níveis de crescimento populacional, mortalidade infantil, malnutrição, desemprego, iliteracia e insegurança alimentar do Sudeste Asiático. Com muitas comunidades costeiras muito dependentes dos recursos costeiros, o conhecimento da distribuição, natureza e condição ecológica da biodiversidade e dos recursos costeiros e marinhos é essencial para sustentar a conservação, planeamento com base no ecossistema e o uso sustentável e também o desenvolvimento económico regional (particularmente as pescas, aquacultura e o ecoturismo marinho e costeiro). O mapeamento de habitats é essencial para o planeamento de Áreas Marinhas Protegidas (AMP) individuais e também para o planeamento das redes de AMP’s, e ainda no apoio à definição de zonas de usos múltiplos e ao uso e desenvolvimento sustentável dos recursos costeiros. Apesar da costa Norte de Timor-Leste ser altamente valorizada pela sua contribuição aos meios de vida locais, em particular através do ecoturismo e actividades piscatórias, não existe nenhum mapa em larga escala de habitats para esta região. O principal objectivo deste estudo é realizar um levantamento e mapeamento de larga escala para os habitats marinhos e costeiros na costa Norte de Timor-Leste, para apoiar os esforços futuros de conservação costeira e marinha, de planeamento e de desenvolvimento regional sustentável. Detecção Remota O mapeamento dos habitats costeiros e marinhos de baixa profundidade junto a Timor-Leste foi realizado recorrendo a imagens Landsat TM/ETM+, usando técnicas de análise com base em objectos e em pixéis. Identificaram-se as condições de nebulosidade, das marés e características sazonais das imagens Landsat obtidas entre 2003 e 2006, sendo seleccionadas duas imagens com condições de pouca nebulosidade, óptima qualidade da água e baixa-mar. Estas imagens foram analisadas recorrendo a uma análise de imagens com base em objectos (OBIA – object based image analysis) através do software Definiens®, uma abordagem que inicialmente segmenta a imagem e depois classifica os objectos com base nas suas características espaciais, espectrais e de textura. Uma abordagem de segmentação e hierarquia de classes desenvolvida com base em sub-regiões de estudo foi aplicada a toda a linha de costa Norte e o mapa resultante foi editado em ESRI ArcGIS® para criar um mapa final. Levantamentos no campo
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Em Novembro de 2007, durante as campanhas de campo, foi colectada informação detalhada acerca da estrutura e composição dos habitats marinhos e costeiros na linha de costa Norte de Timor-Leste. Os dados de quase 1000 pontos georreferenciados foram analisados usando esquemas padrão de classificação geomorfológica e de vegetação marinha bentónica e terrestre, com base nas características geomórficas, estruturais e de composição (ie. Mather & Bennet 1994, English et al. 1997, National Vegetation Information System of Australia). As comunidades de mangal foram também mapeadas a fina escala, através da interpretação de fotografias aéreas à escala 1:10,000. A verificação no terreno (de mapas de detecção remota) em Novembro de 2007, concentrou-se ao redor de 6 locais ao longo da costa Norte de Timor-Leste – Metinaro, Manauto, Baucau, Com, Jaco e Lore. Foram feitos levantamentos detalhados na zona do proposto Parque Marinho Nino Konis Santana (Com-Tutuala-Lore). O levantamento costeiro obteve mais de 1000 pontos em 5 das áreas de treino, com informação existente recolhida pelo Herbário do Northern Territory (NT Herbarium) usada para Lore. Os dados recolhidos incluíam informações de localização, estrutura vegetal e composição de espécies dominantes (em níveis superiores, médios e inferiores), cobertura vegetal e características simples do solo. Especialistas em mangais (do NRETAS) também efectuaram levantamentos detalhados da flora nas 6 áreas de treino. O levantamento marinho complementar amostrou um total de 724 locais nas 6 áreas de treino, recorrendo a embarcações (e alojamento) locais, das comunidades piscatórias costeiras. Os dados de campo foram recolhidos usando critérios geomorfológicos e biológicos (adaptados de Mumby & Harborne 1999), recorrendo a censos visuais e vídeo subaquático remoto. As condições dos recifes (ie. branqueamento, danos de ancoragem, eutrofização, coroas de espinhos, etc.) foram também avaliadas. A amostragem nas áreas de treino concentrou-se (quando possível) em transectos transversais (perpendiculares à linha de costa) sistemáticos para permitir o desenvolvimento de perfis dos recifes. Mapa de Habitats Marinhos e Costeiros Com base nos resultados da análise dos dados obtidos remotamente e da verificação de campo foi produzido um mapa de larga escala (1:100,000) dos habitats costeiros e marinhos das costas Norte e Este de Timor-Leste. O elemento mapeado mais pequeno tem 0.1ha e o maior 1040ha sendo que a média do tamanho dos polígonos é de 10 ha (exceptuando a classe “águas profundas”). Como esperado, o conjunto de dados é altamente linear, tendo uma “largura” máxima de aproximadamente 3km (cobrindo habitats marinhos e costeiros), sendo que a maior parte do mapa tem menos de 1km de largura. A classificação identificou um total de 6 tipos de habitats marinhos e 7 tipos de habitats costeiros. A zona marinha perto da linha de costa é caracterizada por uma estreita zona plana do recife de coral (reef flat) (normalmente <60m de largura, mas até um máximo de quase 1km), dominada por ervas marinhas em águas menos profundas (aproximadamente 2,200ha) e coral em águas mais profundas e nas escarpas (aproximadamente 2,000ha). A classe de cobertura mista, que inclui baixa cobertura de coral ou de ervas marinhas e áreas descobertas, ocupa 1,250ha. Dentro dos habitats costeiros, os mangais ocupam 750ha, sendo o maior pé na região de Metinaro. O mapeamento detalhado dos mangais (1:10,000) identificou um total de 20 comunidades de mangal com padrões zonais claros. Áreas descobertas (incluindo lagos de sal e praias) ocupavam 1,100ha enquanto a vegetação era dominada por savanas. Com 3,750ha de mata aberta, 1,945ha de floresta aberta e 1,050ha de floresta costeira. A agricultura
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intensiva (2,200ha) e as áreas construídas (1,730ha) eram também uma característica proeminente da costa Norte de Timor-Leste. A pequena extensão dos habitats de recifes de coral, ervas marinhas e mangais na costa Norte de Timor-Leste impõem fortes limites aos recursos marinhos disponíveis e aos níveis de exploração (particularmente nas pescas de recife e nos mangais) e à luz de um cada vez maior uso humano dos recursos sublinha a necessidade urgente de uma gestão de conservação efectiva e precautória. Muito importante é a revelação de perda significativa e contínua de habitats em Timor-Leste. A extensão total de mangal diminuiu de 9,000ha em 1940 para 3,035ha em 2000 (FAO 2003) para apenas 1,802ha identificados em 2008, i.e. uma perda de cerca de 40% no período 2000-20008, ou uns alarmantes cerca de 80% desde 1940. As árvores dos mangais são exploradas para madeira de construção e combustível e em alguns casos os mangais mais interiores foram removidos para aquacultura de peixes e camarão. A validação dos mapas finais identificou precisões de 83% e 92% para os habitats costeiros e marinhos, respectivamente. No entanto, a definição abrangente de algumas classes de habitats, indicam que estas precisões devem ser interpretadas com algum cuidado e que é preferível comparar as classes detalhadas dos levantamentos de campo identificadas dentro de cada classe de habitat. Desenvolvimento de Capacidades e Envolvimento de TL O projecto teve muito apoio dos parceiros, do Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas (MAP) – com um largo espectro de resultados de formação. Considerou-se que a formação na identificação de espécies marinhas e na monitorização dos recifes de coral era prioritária para os funcionários do MAP. Foi oferecida formação em levantamentos, identificação de espécies marinhas e monitorização contínua dos habitats de recifes de coral (incluindo peixes e invertebrados), recorrendo ao protocolo internacional “ReefCheck” (www.reefcheck.org). No Projecto ReefCheck de Timor-Leste, formaram-se 3 formadores para dar formação no referido protocolo e um total de 12 funcionários do MAP receberam formação – sendo que 3 obtiveram certificação de Eco-Divers. A formação ReefCheck foi dada usando os protocolos de mergulho com escafandro e de apneia, em duas línguas (Inglês e Bahasa Indonésio, usando os materiais e produtos didácticos indonésios). Dois funcionários do MAP também receberam formação em taxonomia marinha, como parte de um Seminário de Taxonomia de Poliquetas Marinhos de 5 dias (1-5 Outubro 2007) organizado em Darwin pelo NT Museum & Art Gallery (NRETAS). Os levantamentos de campo também foram altamente apoiados pelos funcionários do MAP (Pescas, Áreas Protegidas e ALGIS) com um total de 4 funcionários a apoiarem o levantamento costeiro e 9 no levantamento marinho. Foram transmitidos conhecimentos em identificação de plantas terrestres e descrição estrutural de vegetação, bem como técnicas de recolha de dados GPS e também durante um seminário de ½ dia sobre o uso de GPS, sondas de profundidade e vídeos remotos subaquáticos, e classificação de habitats bênticos. Os funcionários do MAP também deram apoio à organização da logística de campo (i.e. ligação com as comunidades locais, aluguer de embarcações, alojamento, etc.).
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Prioridades e Recomendações do MAP 1. Ao identificar as prioridades do Governo de Timor-Leste para mais mapeamento de
habitats costeiros e marinhos, o MAP sublinhou a necessidade de abordar as prioridades de planeamento de AMP’s em Timor-Leste – particularmente no contexto do planeamento mais abrangente da região das Ilhas Menores de Sunda, levada a cabo em colaboração com a Indonésia (e The Nature Conservancy). Neste sentido o MAP identificou as seguintes prioridades para mais mapeamento: (1) Oeste de Dili, incluindo zonas propostas para protecção (alta prioridade); (2) Oecussi (baixa prioridade); (3) Costa Sul (baixa prioridade). Considerou-se que o mapeamento costeiro (terrestre) e o mapeamento marinho tinham igual prioridade.
2. Ao identificar as prioridades de mapeamento do Governo de Timor-Leste, o mapeamento a fina escala do Parque Nacional Nino Konis Santana foi identificado como a prioridade máxima de mapeamento de habitats, complementando o mapeamento que se encontra a ser feito pelo ALGIS. Têm de se identificar as áreas prioritárias para os mapas de fina escala e desenvolver um esquema comum de classificação para a região de Timor-Leste. A capacitação foi também identificada como uma alta prioridade, uma vez que daria capacidades e conhecimentos aos funcionários do MAP (Pescas/ALGIS) para que realizem os mapeamentos e análise espacial de larga e fina escala.
3. O MAP identificou a capacitação (formação e equipamentos) no mapeamento de habitats costeiros e marinhos entre Timor-Leste, Austrália (Northern Territory) e Indonésia (Nusa Tenggara Timur), como sendo de alta prioridade. Para além disto, o desenvolvimento de um esquema de classificação, escalas de informação e métodos comuns à região, também foi identificado como prioritário. Isto poderia ser alcançado com um seminário regional de mapeamento costeiro, com participantes do MAP (Pescas/ALGIS), Nusa Tenggara Timur e Northern Territory. Este seminário definiria entre os 3 países os termos de referência dos esquemas de classificação e prioridades, e também desenvolveria um plano de acção. O MAP também identificou a necessidade de formar 2-3 funcionários em sistemas de informação geográfica (GIS) e técnicas de detecção remota marinha e costeira, em parceria com a CDU.
4. Formação em bases de dados e gestão de conhecimento (e também, conhecimentos de Propriedade Intelectual) é uma prioridade na área da formação dos recursos humanos do MAP (e de outras agências governamentais de Timor-Leste). Com a apreensão de conhecimentos e a construção dos sistemas de GIS e conhecimento, é necessária formação em gestão de bases de dados, padronização de dados, Propriedade Intelectual e acordos formais de dados. O MAP também identificou a formação em bases de dados e gestão de conhecimentos como uma área prioritária na capacitação e formação dos recursos humanos do MAP e do Governo de Timor-Leste.
5. O MAP reconhece a importância da Propriedade Intelectual e a gestão de conhecimentos e recomenda que todos os pedidos de dados/informação decorrentes de trabalhos em curso no MAP (e no Governo de Timor-Leste) (incluindo esta parceria) deveriam estar sujeitos a um acordo formal de dados.
161617
6. Sob o Plano de Acção Nacional para o CTI, o Estreito de Wetar é uma “paisagem marinha” prioritária que requer mapeamento de habitats de águas profundas. No entanto, o MAP não considera este mapeamento como sendo prioritário, devido às prioridades correntes e à falta de capacidade e recursos do MAP.
7. Dado o sucesso do programa “ReefCheck” em Timor-Leste, o MAP identificou a necessidade de apoiar e expandir o programa e equipa existentes. Isto inclui o estabelecimento de monitorização regular, 2-4 vezes por ano em cada local e aumentando o número de locais na costa Norte. Recomendou-se que: (a) o programa de avaliação de recifes use o protocolo “ReefCheck” e também outros meios de avaliação; (b) inclua locais com impactos negativos; (c) se estabeleçam locais de monitorização regular dentro e fora do Parque Nacional Nino Konis Santana.
8. O MAP identificou a necessidade de aumentar o programa (e resultados) “ReefCheck” em Timor-Leste e de desenvolver um programa de educação e sensibilização ambiental, nas escolas, que realcem o estado, condição e ameaças aos recifes de coral de Timor-Leste. Na região Com-Tutuala, esta campanha educativa poderia ser uma componente de um programa de sensibilização e educação comunitária do Parque Nacional.
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Coastal Habitat Mapping
The maritime estate of Timor-Leste, encompasses over 700 km of coastline (and the
islands of Atauro and Jaco), within a region of globally-significant tropical marine
biodiversity. Timor Leste however, also faces major human development challenges –
with some of the highest levels of population growth, infant mortality, malnutrition,
unemployment, illiteracy and food insecurity in the South East Asia. With many coastal
communities highly dependent on coastal resources - knowledge of the distribution,
nature and ecological condition of coastal and marine biodiversity and resources is
essential to underpin conservation, ecosystem-based planning and sustainable use and
also, regional economic development (particularly fisheries, aquaculture and coastal-
marine ecotourism).
The broad scale mapping of coastal habitats is a fundamental requirement in effectively
managing the coastal environment (Phinn et al. 2005). Habitat maps document the
habitat types present and their statistics and allow the identification of environmentally
sensitive areas and hot spots of habitat diversity (Mumby & Harborne 1999). Habitat
mapping is vital for the both, the planning of individual Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
and MPA networks, and also, to assist with multiple-use zoning and assisting
sustainable coastal resource use and development (Beech et al. 2008).
While the north coast of Timor-Leste is highly valued for its contribution to local
livelihoods, particularly through ecotourism and fisheries-based activities, no broad-
scale, habitat mapping currently exists for this region. As such, there is limited baseline
information available on the nature, composition, structure, distribution and status of
nearshore coastal and marine habitats in Timor Leste. The primary aim of the present
study was to undertake broadscale survey and mapping of the marine and coastal
habitats of the north coast of Timor-Leste, to assist with future coastal-marine
conservation, planning, and regional sustainable development.
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1.2 Approaches to Coastal Habitat Mapping
Satellite based remote sensing has been used to map a range of marine and coastal
attributes, from habitat mapping and change detection to measurements of water
quality and productivity in the marine environment (Diaz et al. 2004; Malthus & Mumby
2003; Sanderson 2001). The mapping application will primarily drive the selection of an
appropriate sensor and analytical methodology, with sensors producing imagery at a
wide range of spatial, spectral and temporal resolutions (Mumby & Edwards 2002).
Habitat mapping commonly uses moderate resolution optical sensors that provide
sufficient detail to identify habitat boundaries at a scale relevant to management, while
being relatively cost effective and computationally efficient (Mumby et al. 2004).
Landsat TM is one of the most widely used satellite borne remote sensing technologies
for habitat mapping (Mumby et al. 1997). Landsat TM captures images at a spatial
resolution of 30m, has a return time of 18 days and includes 7 bands ranging from 0.42
µm (blue) to 2.35 µm (middle infrared). However, habitat mapping using this technology
requires turbidity levels to be low and regions to be cloud free. This can be problematic
in some tropical environments, where rainfall can be high and turbidity levels variable.
The north coast of Timor-Leste is recognised a relatively clear water environment, while
the south coast commonly experiences higher turbidity. The relatively high repeat
coverage of Landsat further provides opportunities to select imagery in which conditions
for habitat mapping are optimised.
Automated or semi-automated broad scale habitat mapping using remotely sensed
technology has often had difficulty producing cartographically acceptable products. This
is due to the ‘salt & pepper’ effect of pixel based classification. Object based image
analysis has been shown to produce classification outputs that are more
cartographically correct as it works within a framework that is based on the definition of
boundaries and identify patterns occurring at hierarchy of scale (Benz et al. 2004).
OBIA has been successfully applied for a number of land cover mapping applications
(Arroyo et al. 2006; Bock et al. 2005; Hajek 2006) although application to marine
environments has been limited.
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1.3 Project Aims & Objectives
This project’s primary aim was to develop a broad-scale habitat map of marine and
coastal habitats of the Timor-Leste northern coastline (approximately 250km) to assist
with future coastal-marine planning, biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource
use in Timor Leste. Specifically, this primary aim included (a) using Landsat TM
satellite imagery and object-based image analysis techniques to map broad-scale
habitats of Timor Leste; (b) undertaking fine-scale mapping of mangrove communities
by manual interpretation of aerial photography; (c) undertaking field ground-truthing or
validation via intensive field surveys of the marine environment and coastal habitats;
and (d) where appropriate, describing aspects of the composition, structure and
distribution of coastal habitats.
In undertaking this exercise, the project recognised the need to build on existing efforts
in localised, fine-scale mapping of coastal habitats (undertaken by MAF), and also, to
specifically engage and train MAF staff in coastal-marine habitat mapping and field
surveys.
2 PHYSICAL SETTING
Timor-Leste is located between Indonesia to the west and Papua New Guinea to the
east, and bounded by the Banda and Timor Seas to the north and south respectively
(Sandlund et al., 2001). Timor-Leste also includes the enclave of Oecussi and the
islands of Ataúro and Jaco. It has an area of 14,874 km2 with a coastline of more than
700 km. The island of Timor is part of the Banda Arc. The Australian continental crust
extends as far north as the north coast of Timor, and is thought to be uplifting Timor.
The Ramelau mountain range divides the country into north and south with its highest
peak reaching 2,963 m ASL (above sea level) (UNDP & RDTL, 2007). Over 40% of the
country has extremely steep slopes of 40% that are vulnerable to erosion and
constantly being worn down by the monsoonal rains, with numerous rivers draining to
the seas to the north and south (UNDP & RDTL, 2006).
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Figure 1: Study area identifying towns and villages referred to within this report.
The project study area stretched along the north coast of Timor Leste from the western
edge of Dili to south of Jaco Island (see Figure 1). The north coast of Timor Leste
experiences a dry tropical climate with a mean temperature above 24 °C and is
influenced by the Northern Monomodal Rainfall Pattern which sees a single wet season
from December to May. Annual rainfall in the north coast lowlands can be as low as
<1000 mm, whereas higher altitudes might receive rainfall up to 2000 mm/year.
Downpours are often extremely heavy (Barnett et al., 2003). In contrast, the southern
coast is exposed to two wet seasons (Nov-Apr, May-Jul) and around 1500mm of rain
annually.
The northern and southern coast differ not only climatically, but also, with respect to
coastal and nearshore environments. Topographically, the north coast is rocky and
steep along most of its shoreline. The continental shelf is narrow, with coastal plains
virtually non-existent or very narrow, except for around areas such as Manatuto and Dili,
with numerous white sandy beaches with interspersed rocky outcrops are scattered
along the coast. The north coast is characterised by karst geology and uplifted ancient
coral reefs (see Audley-Charles, 2004; Hamson, 2004; Keep, et al., 2009). The Page 18 of 68
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dominant vegetation type along most of the coast is arid woodland (RDTL & CDU,
2006). In contrast, the continental shelf along the south coast is wide and gently
sloping, with relatively wide coastal plains characterised by river deltas, lagoons,
floodplains and swamps (RDTL and CDU 2006).
Along the northern coastline narrow fringing reefs and coral reefs can be found, as well
as seagrass meadows. The sheltered waters on the north coast, adjacent to the Banda
Sea (or Tasi Fetu) are calmer, deeper and clearer than on the south coast. In contrast,
the exposed waters of the south coast, adjacent to the Timor Sea (or Tasi Mane) are
rougher, shallower and more turbid – resulting in long stretches of sandy beach with
heavy waves and surf (Sandlund et al. 2001). As opposed to the low profile, extensive
coastal margin and plains of the southern coast, the northern nearshore littoral zone is
steep and very narrow - with the sea floor on the north coast dropping off sharply into a
3 km deep marine trench at approximately 20 km from shore (RDTL & CDU, 2006;
Keep et al., 2009).
Sandlund et al. (2001) identified the following biotopes in the coastal zone of Timor-
Leste:
Oceanic and sub-tidal marine environment: includes pelagic water columns,
Intertidal zone: includes rocky intertidal shelves, sandy-muddy tidal flats and
mangrove forests.
Shorelines: include sandy beaches, dunes, rocky outcrops, limestone cliffs, river
estuaries, and brackish lagoons.
Near-shore zone: includes coastal drylands, natural forests and wetlands.
The coastal zone (and habitats) of Timor Leste are subject to a high degree of human
dependency and resource use. To-date, almost 560,000 people (approximately two-
thirds of the total population) in Timor Leste live in coastal and lowland areas with an
elevation up to 500 m ASL (NSD, 2006). Approximately 64% of the rural population is
food insecure, relying heavily on natural resources, with agriculture and (semi-)
subsistence fisheries being the major sources of income (~94%) for the population.
Most fishing activities are limited to low-technology inshore fishing. Mainly women and
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children collect fishes, crabs and molluscs in the intertidal zone at low tide (Sandlund et
al., 2001). During the Indonesian occupation, destructive fishing practices such as the
use of dynamite and cyanide were common. These days, such practices are still
sometimes used in some places (de Carvalho et al., 2007). Firewood is the primary
source of energy for 98% of the population (WB & ADB, 2007) and is widely collected
and logged.
3 METHODS
3.1 Input Data Two Landsat TM Scenes covering Timor Leste were acquired for the mapping of
marine and coastal habitats (see Figure 2). The images are Landsat 5 TM Scene
109/66 acquired on the 21st August 2004 and Landsat 5 TM Scene 110/66 acquired on
the 3 September, 2006. These images were selected based on; (1) tidal information for
Dili, Com, Lore and Suai that indicated that these date/times were low tide images (see
Figure 3); (2) late dry season images as this was identified as the preferable time to
optimise water clarity (3) low cloud cover, with an emphasis on marine/coastal areas;
(4) no scan line corrector (SLC) image errors and (5) captured within the 3 years of the
field program.
Figure 2: Landsat TM scenes covering Timor Leste.
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Date
Tide
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ght (
m)
Figure 3: Tidal heights for each date of Landsat image capture between 2003 and 2006. Ancillary datasets collected for mapping the marine and coastal habitats of Timor Leste
included the SRTM 3 second DEM, 1:50k aerial photography, coastline and road shape
files.
3.2 Image Pre-processing The Landsat images were pre-processed, to ensure that they were radiometrically and
geometrically correct. That is, the brightness value was corrected for errors caused by
changes in scene illumination, atmospheric conditions, instrument response
characteristics and viewing geometry. A simple black body subtraction correction was
applied in Erdas Imagine using deep water points located on the imagery as the images
were not being used for multitemporal analysis in this project. and the role of
radiometric differences between images was of less importance. GeoImage® supplied
the imagery as geometrically corrected (orthorectified using a cubic convolution
interpolation method). The spatial accuracy of this product was considered adequate
after comparison with existing mapping for Timor Leste.
Coastal areas of the imagery were delineated and selected by first defining the inland
extent based on the 30 m contour, as derived from the 3 second DEM. The seaward
extent was arbitrarily defined as 2.5 km from the coast (although the mappable area
due to water depth rarely was within a maximum of approximately 1km). The study area
Acquired Image
24
was created as a shape file in ArcGIS and used to mask the Landsat imagery in Erdas
Imagine. Following the creation of the input image layers, subsets were created based
on 6 training areas, each containing approximately 10km of coastline. These included
Metinaro, Manatuto, Baucau, Com, Jaco and Lore. These were used to investigate the
potential for object based image analysis to map the marine and coastal habitats of
Timor Leste. Object based image analysis can be processing intensive and this
approach allowed different segmentation and classification approaches to be trialed and
assessed before the more lengthy process of application to the fully study area (see
Figure 4).
Figure 4: Subset focus regions used for the development of the mapping approach.
Finally, a number of image products were created to assist in the classification process.
The 3 second DEM was used to calculate a slope layer using a 3 x 3 neighbourhood as
defined in ArcGIS 9.2 while principle components, band combinations (e.g. Normalised
Difference Vegetation Index - N DVI) and depth invariant indices were calculated from
the Landsat imagery using ENVI or Erdas Imagine software. Principle components
analysis was used to produce a new set of image layers that may better capture the
information contained in the original imagery. That is, some image layers are often
highly correlated, meaning that the two layers duplicate a very similar set of information.
Principle components analysis transformed the information in correlated layers into a
smaller number of layers, which are referred to as the principle components (PC). The
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first and second PC contains the greatest variation in the data with subsequent principle
components generally being of less value. Band ratios have also been used to highlight
different aspects of the environment captured in remotely sensed imagery. The most
frequently used NDVI which is defined as ρNIR-ρRed)/( ρNIR+ρRed) where ρNIR and
ρRed are reflectance values of near infrared and red light. This index ranges between -
1 to 1, with highly photosynthetic vegetation approaching 1. The NDVI was calculated to
assist with classifying coastal vegetation. Finally, depth invariant layers were created to
assist with the marine habitat classification. This was based on the methods described
in Lyzenga (Lyzenga 1978; Lyzenga 1981) which produces a single depth invariant
band from each pair of spectral bands (Mumby et al. 1998) using pixel values identified
for a similar substrate across a variety of depths. This was obtained for predominantly
sandy substrates.
3.3 Image Classification
3.3.1 Pixel Based A preliminary image classification was undertaken using an unsupervised classification
technique. The isoclass algorithm was applied in Erdas Imagine with 50 classes created
(see Figure 5).
Figure 5: Unsupervised classification of the Landsat imagery in the Manatuto study region.
These were then amalgamated to produce broad classes and were used to identify the
spectral separability of different classes. This was applied to all areas and to marine
and coastal areas separately. The classifications indicated better class separability Page 23 of 68
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within the terrestrial habitat classes relative to marine habitats. However, the highly
pixilated output suggested that object based methods would be more appropriate for
the production of a final vector based mapping product.
3.3.2 Object Based Image Analysis Image Segmentation
Object based classification requires that imagery is segmented prior to classification.
The segmentation process is a crucial component for successful classification of the
imagery as it is intended to create homogeneous object primitives that are
representative of features within the image. These image object primitives are then
used as information carriers and building blocks for classifying the relevant features
within the image (Definiens 2006)
The segmentation process requires various parameters to be set, such as the scale
parameter, the single layer weights, and the mixing of heterogeneity criterion
concerning tone and shape. These parameters are user-defined and are set
accordingly with consideration to the requirements of the analysis, commonly through a
process of ‘trial and error’. The scale parameter defines the maximum allowed
heterogeneity for the resulting image objects and has the greatest influence on the size
of objects created during segmentation. The homogeneity criterion determines the
weighting between colour and shape, with shape further divided by smoothness and
compactness. The user can therefore determine the influence that object shape has on
the segmentation process, independent of image spectral properties. This is particularly
useful when detecting objects with a common shape characteristic.
Image segmentation can be performed using all or a weighted selection of input layers
and can also be undertaken at a range of scales to create a object hierarchy. That is,
image layers considered more important in the initial segmentation process can be
more heavily weighted to better identify appropriate object boundaries (for example an
NDVI layer may be given twice the weighting of individual bands for vegetation
mapping). This can be varied depending on the scale of mapping. For example large
objects may be created to initially stratify the landscape and is likely to undertaken
using equal weighting of input layers. While a fine scale segmentation might be
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performed only using one layer (e.g. NDVI) to identify fine scale variations in vegetation
cover. The larger and smaller objects will be nested and share common boundaries
allowing a hierarchical approach to the classification to be undertaken.
The subset regions were used to examine segmentation approaches for marine and
coastal habitat mapping in Timor-Leste. Various segmentation parameters were
applied, with the final approach deemed most suitable for classification based on the
creation of two segmentation layers. A scale value of 10 produced objects at a scale
deemed most suitable for final habitat mapping, while finer scale objects produced
using a scale parameter value of 5 was found to identify smaller objects useful in the
final classification. Different homogeneity criterion parameter values were examined;
however, the default values tended to produce the most suitable results and were
applied to the final segmentation.
A single segmentation and classification approach was used to map both the marine
and coastal habitats, as this provided a seamless transition in the mapping of the two
environments (see Figure 6). This approach, however, caused the indices that
highlighted different aspects of the terrestrial (e.g. NDVI) and marine (e.g. depth
invariant bands) habitats were not applicable across both environments. As such, the
optimal segmentation results were obtained by equally weighting the original imagery.
Figure 6: Segmented objects for northern Jaco island for scale parameter value 10 (a) and scale parameter value 5 (b) (Landsat imagery displayed as true colour).
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Image Classification
The classification process in Definiens object based image analysis requires the initial
establishment of a class hierarchy, followed by the identification of the unique spectral,
textural and spatial attributes of each class and finally the selection of algorithm for
allocating objects to a particular class. The class hierarchy established for mapping
Timor-Leste coastal and marine habitats included 22 classes based on visual
interpretation of the imagery, and were refined to 14 classes based on comparison with
field data.
Figure 7: Definiens classification environment showing the class hierarchy developed within this project and example class description of ‘Mangroves’.
The classification made use of a number of object features object that distinguish the
habitat class (see Figure 7). For example, while the bare sand class was based solely
on the spectral characteristics of this class in bands 1 to 5, the mangrove class used a
combination of spectral information (to identify it as relatively highly photosynthetic
vegetation) and spatial properties (to identify that it would be adjacent either to another
polygon classified as mangroves or a marine habitat class). The rule set developed
using these features allocated objects to specific classes using a combination of the
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standard nearest neighbour algorithm, based on a set of defined training polygons, or
membership function. Membership functions allow a fuzzy rule base to be developed,
requiring the definition of a membership function shape and estimated minimum and
maximum cut-off values. These can be highly valuable for capturing expert knowledge
of specific mapping classes and their characteristics.
3.3.3 Manual Interpretation Fine-scale (1:50,000) mapping of mangroves on the northern coast of Timor-Leste was
undertaken through expert interpretation of the 1:50,000 2002 aerial photography and
supported by inspection of imagery available through Google Earth® (generally very
high resolution ‘QuickBird’ satellite imagery) (see Figure 8). The mapping was
undertaken in ArcGIS 9.2, with attributes including identification of the community,,
dominant vegetation type, general description, environmental setting and area recorded
for each polygon. A total of 18 communities could be identified from the imagery based
on the spatial, spectral and textural properties of the imagery and comparison with field
based observations.
Sonneratia alba/ Rhizophora Sonneratia alba
Salt Flat
Ceriops with Avicennia/Lumnitzera
Figure 8: Aerial photography of a mangrove/salt flat sequence showing some of the dominant vegetation communities identified through manual interpretation.
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3.3.4 Fine-scale Mangrove Mapping (1:10,000) Finer scale mangrove mapping was also undertaken (by NT Government) as an adjunct
to the Landsat mapping, with mangrove communities mapped through interpretation of
aerial photography at the 1:10,000 scale.
Areas mapped to-date include only the north coast of Timor Leste from the West Timor
border through to the east tip of Timor Leste at Tatuala. Spatial resolution of the final
mapping is at the 1:25,000 scale. However, further ground-truthing and validation and
‘on-site’ checking is required.
3.4 Coastal-Marine Field Surveys
3.4.1 Coastal Habitats
A vegetation survey covering the coastal habitats of the Timor-Leste north coast was
undertaken in November 2007 (see Appendix 3). Each of the subset study regions (see
Figure 4) were surveyed to ensure that most habitat classes were represented. Within
each region, approximately 20 points were surveyed with over 100 data points collected
(see Figure 9). The survey was based on an established method used within the
Northern Territory Government for ground-truthing vegetation mapping. Information
collected included approximations of the percent canopy cover based on a 10m
diameter field of view and height of the ground, mid and upper vegetation layers. The
dominant species (with a maximum of 3) were recorded in the mid and upper layers.
Information was also recorded about the substrate characteristics and general
environmental setting. Site locations were collected using a ProMark3 GPS with an
accuracy of 5-7 m.
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Figure 9: Mangrove forest surveyed in Manatuto region showing points collected, vegetation structural classification and Landsat imagery.
The data recorded was classified based on the National Vegetation Information System
(NVIS) of Australia. The NVIS structural classification is built from the following
attributes derived from vegetation site data:
• Growth form (for each stratum);
• Cover (%) value (for each stratum);
• Height (m) range and average (for each stratum);
• Floristics (up to 5 dominant species for each stratum), and
• Basal counts (to assist in determining dominant woody species).
The site data was classified into structural classes (based on all structural classes and
by the upper canopy structure only) and floristic groupings.
3.4.2 Marine Habitats
Study Sites
Six regions were selected across the north, east and south-east coast of Timor-Leste at
Metinaro, Manatuto, Baucau, Com, Tutuala and Jaco Island, and Lore (see Figure 4).
These regions were chosen for ground-truthing remote sensing imagery (Landsat 7,
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30m x 30m pixel size) as they contained representative groups of habitat types and
geomorphology, and also, provided access to community infrastructure and
opportunities for capacity-building. Com, Tutuala, Jaco Island and Lore are also located
within the proposed marine park adjacent to the newly declared Parque Nacional Nino
Koni Santana (Nino Konis Santana National Park). Community-level consultations with
Suco village chiefs, regional MAF officers and local fishermen, were also undertaken
prior to initiating fieldwork (see Plate 1).
Sampling
Sampling was conducted from 20th to 30th November 2007 during the late dry season
by paired staff from Ministry for Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) and the Northern
Territory Government (NTG). Between two to four local fishermen and their boats were
used at each region. Transects were selected to optimize coverage of predicted habitat
types and boundaries within a region, and were generally orientated perpendicular to
the coastline (see Figure 11). Over 700 random points were sampled along transects,
with increasing frequency near transitions of habitat type or geomorphology. Sampling
was undertaken using improvised bathyscopes and drop down video cameras (see
Figure. 10). Site identification, video start and finish times, depth, latitude, longitude,
geomorphology and dominant habitat classification were recorded on tabulated sheets
(Appendix 1), data was then validated and entered into a Microsoft™ Access database
(Appendix 2).
Figure 10: Sampling equipment used in the marine survey, including improvised bathyscopes and drop-down video cameras.
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Plate 1: (a) Training of MAF staff in marine habitat identification and use of underwater habitat mapping technology; (b) community meeting and consultation (Lore); (c)-(h) use of local boats and fishermen to undertake habitat mapping.
(a)
(c)
(e)
(h)
(f) (g)
(b)
(d)
34Page 32 of 68
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Classification
Geomorphology classification was adapted from the generalized diagram of a coral reef
cross section by Mather and Bennett (1994) and incorporates a secondary classification
for rugosity (relief or height of corals), coral patch density, and lagoon depth (see
Appendix 1).
Benthic habitat classification was adapted from English et al. (1997). Habitats were
broadly classified according to the dominance or absence of biota, such as coral, algae,
seagrass, and bare substratum (Appendix 1). Secondary classification of habitat
incorporated additional descriptions of coral morphology (life form), algae colour or
type, sediment type, and seagrass density. Notes on reef condition were collected for
anthropogenic impacts (dynamite, anchors) and general health (bleaching, nutrient
indicator algae, crown of thorns, and bleaching).
3.4.3 Classification Refinement, Validation & Output The Landsat derived mapping of coastal and marine habitats on the Timor-Leste north
coast was compared to the field survey data to refine and validate the RS based
classification. That is, the mapping and field survey classification schemes differed
based on the scale of data collection and methodology used by each approach. A
matrix comparing the mapped with ground derived classes was created. The RS
classification system was developed based on refining points of overlap and duplication
within RS classes and identification of field based classes that could not be separated
at the scale of mapping. The associated field derived vegetation and marine habitats
contained within each mapped habitat class were identified and included in meta data
information associated with the final map.
The final map was also processed within ArcGIS to improve the classification, ensure
topological integrity of the final map and to produce a more cartographically acceptable
product by smoothing the output polygon boundaries. Manual classification assisted in
both correctly classifying misclassified objects and ensuring consistency across the
dataset to better represent continuous habitat types. The final classification was then
simplified using the simplify polygon tool to remove extraneous bends and small
intrusions and extrusions from a line without destroying its essential shape (ESRI
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1996). Finally, adjoining boundaries between polygons classified as single habitat and
overlapping polygons classified twice were cleaned using the dissolve tool in ArcGIS.
4 RESULTS Based on the results of remote sensing analyses and the coastal-marine “field ground-
truthing”, a broad scale (1:100k) map of the coastal and marine habitats of the north
and east coast of Timor-Leste has been produced for approximately 250km of the
Timor-Leste coast line – covering the entire northern coast to, south of, and including,
Jaco Island. Examples of the mapping have been provided for six regions of the coast
in Figures 12 and 13. This dataset has been produced using object-based image
analysis techniques and has been prepared for cartographic presentation. The map is a
topologically correct, GIS ready data layer and includes three attribute fields including
the ‘Class’ (a descriptive name of the habitat), ‘ClassCode’ (a unique code for the
habitat type) and ‘Area_ha’ (the area of each polygon. The smallest mapped element is
0.1ha, largest is 1040 ha with a mean polygon size of 10ha (excluding the ‘Deep Water’
class). As expected, the dataset is highly linear, having a maximum ‘width’ of
approximately 3km, with much of the mapping being less than 1km in width.
The classification identified a total of 6 marine habitat types and 7 coastal habitat types
(see Plate 2). The marine nearshore zone is characterised by a narrow reef flat (often <
60m wide, but up to almost 1km), dominated by seagrass in shallower water
(approximately 2,200ha) and corals in deeper water and on the escarpment
(approximately 2,000ha). A mixed-cover class, which included low covers of coral or
seagrass and bare areas, occupied 1,250 ha. Within the coastal habitats, mangroves
occupied 750ha, the largest stand being in the Metinaro region. Detailed mangrove
mapping (1:10,000) identified a total of 20 mangrove communities with clear zonation
patterns. Bare areas (including salt flats and beaches) occupied 1,100ha, while the
vegetation was dominated by savannas, with 3,750ha of open woodland or shrubland,
1,935ha of open forest or woodland and 1,050ha of coastal forest. Intensive agriculture
(2,200ha) and built up areas (1730ha) were also a prominent feature of the northern
coastline of Timor Leste.
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Plate 2: Coastal and marine habitats along the north coast of Timor Leste; (a)-(b) small stands of mangroves; (c)-(d) fringing coral reef flats; (e) limestone reef pavement (Com); (f) pocket beaches (One Dollar Beach); (g) fringing mangroves (Lore); (h) beach (Tutuala).
(d)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(b)
(a)
(c)
(e)
38
a) b)
d)c)
f)e)
Figure 12: Coastal and marine habitat mapping in the (a) Jaco, (b) Dili, (c) Bacau, (d) Manatuto, (e) Com and, (f) Metinaro, regions
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Figure 13: Map of the coastal and marine habitats in the Jaco Island region. [Insert shows the
extent of broadscale coastal and marine habitat mapping conducted along the north coast of
Timor Leste.]Page 37 of 68
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The final habitat classes mapped and their distribution are discussed in more detail in
the following sections.
4.1 Coastal Habitats
4.1.1 Overview of Coastal Habitats
The seven coastal habitat classes included in the final mapping of the Timor-Leste
north coast are shown in Table 1. The field survey identified 14 structural classes
(based on the structure of the upper strata), 45 classes based on all strata and 24
floristic groups. The vegetation ranged from closed forest dominated by mangrove
species (e.g. Avicennia marina, Rhizophora stylosa and Sonneratia alba), through
palmlands and woodlands dominated by Borassus flabellifer and Tamarindis indica
respectively to bare salt flats with a total of 42 dominant plant species identified
(Appendix 4).
Habitat Code Area (ha) Bare Areas including Beaches, Salt Flats and River Channels
SF 1108
Coastal Forest (Non Mangrove) CF 1061 Mangrove Coastal Forest CFM 754 Open Forest or Woodland W 1935 Open Woodland or Shrubland OWS 3750 Agriculture (Rice Paddies) RP 2203 Built Up (Urban and Semi Urban) Areas U 1732
Table 1: Coastal habitat classes mapped and their total area.
4.1.2 Beaches & Saltflats
Bare areas mapped included salt flats, beaches and river channels (see Figure 14).
These occupied approximately 1100ha. The largest continuously bare areas, up to 115
ha, occurred on river channels and deltas (see Table 2). Salt flats occupied areas up to
30ha and often adjoined areas of mangroves. Beaches were somewhat inconsistently
mapped due to the resolution of the imagery. However, the longest beach mapped
stretched was approximately 10km with an average width of nearly 30m (1 pixel). Field
survey indicated that the bare areas included a range of substrate types, ranging from
mud to coarse sand and pebble beaches.
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Class Number of Polygons
MaximumArea (ha)
Average Area (ha)
Standard Deviation
Agriculture (Rice Paddies) 27 401 81.6 108.7Bare Areas including Beaches, Salt Flats and River Channels
140 115 7.9 15.9
Built Up (Urban and Semi Urban) Areas 17 1040 101.9 252.7Coastal Forest (Non Mangrove) 60 98 16.2 23.3Mangrove Coastal Forest 42 304 20.0 50.1Open Forest or Woodland 267 182 7.2 17.5Open Woodland or Shrubland 287 663 13.1 46.2
Table 2: Size and number of polygons mapped within each coastal habitat class.
Figure 14: Salt flat (a) and beach (b) on the north coast of Timor Leste.
4.1.3 Coastal Forests (non-mangrove)
Coastal forests (non-mangrove) occupied approximately 1000ha and occurred in
patches of up to 100ha but were on average 16 ha in area (see Figure 15). The field
survey indicated that these mapped areas were variable and included both open forest
and closed palmland structural groupings dominated by Corypha utan, Tamarindis
indica, Borassus flabellifer and Schleichera oleosa.
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Figure 15: An example of coastal forest on the Timor-Leste north coast.
4.1.4 Mangroves
The north coast of Timor-Leste supports approximately 750ha of mangroves, with more
than half of these occurring in an almost unbroken stretch approximately 12 km long in
the Metinaro region (see Figure 16). Seven species of mangrove were identified and
the field survey indicated a clearly defined pattern of zonation, typical in mangroves.
Detailed mapping from the aerial photography identified approximately 20 communities
based on structural and floristics characteristics (see Figure 17, Table 3). The
mangrove communities occupying the greatest area includes Rhizophora dominated
closed forest (+/- Sonneratia), Sonneratia alba closed/open forest (+/- Rhizophora),
Sonneratia alba closed forest and Ceriops dominated low closed forest (+/-
Avicennia/Lumnitzera).
a) b)
Figure 16: Examples of mangrove forest a) Rhizophora dominated closed forest and Ceriops
dominated low closed forest.
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The results from the fine-scale mangrove mapping (1:10,000) is summarised in Table 3.
More detail will be published in a separate scientific report and publication at a later
seagrass, algae) based primarily on the spectral properties of different benthos (Mumby
et al. 1997). The final classification provided here has a similar definition of benthos,
with high and low seagrass separated and a spatial element included to separate a fore
reef and escarpment class. Mixed coral, seagrass and open reef flat tended to
represent areas where cover was very low and the substrate was predominantly bare.
Habitat Code Area (ha)Coral Dominated Fore-Reef and Escarpment FRC 1558 Coral Dominated Reef Flat RFC 458 Deep Water, with coral likely in shallower areas DW 62708 Dense Seagrass Covered Reef Flat RFSH 933 Mixed Coral, Seagrass and Open Reef Flat RFM 1266 Sparse Seagrass Covered Reef Flat RFSL 1173
Table 5: Marine habitats and their area mapped on the Timor Leste north coast.
The area of each class mapped on the Timor-Leste north coast is also shown in Table
5, while the size distribution of habitat patches are shown in Table 6. Excluding deep
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water, coral dominated fore reef and escarpment occupied the largest area of habitat
mapped. This habitat class occurs along most of the Timor-Leste north coast and is the
dominant habitat class where there is no coastal plain and the mountains plunge rapidly
into the Banda Sea (see Figure 21). However, the area of this class may be
overestimated as the definition of the seaward extent of the habitat was influenced by
water clarity. That is, the class occurs in deeper water and a small increase in turbidity
may cause the object to be assigned to this class. This was compensated for by
including a spatial expression in the classification (e.g. adjoining a reef flat class) and
was further edited in the manual editing phase.
Figure 21: Example of narrow reef with sharp drop off and associated Landsat TM mapping (note imagery is aerial photography).
The coral dominated reef flat occupied approximately 460ha and was generally located
on the outer reef flat (see Figure 22). The class tended to overlap with the coral
dominated fore reef and escarpment, particularly where the reef flat was narrow, due to
the resolution of the imagery. Results of the field survey supported this transition, with
coral observed at a minimum depth of 1.1 m and average depth of almost 1.6m within
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the reef flat geomorphic class. Although this class could be found across the northern
Timor-Leste coastline, larger areas occurred within the 40km of coastline to the east of
Dili and around Com to Jaco Island in the east.
Figure 22: a) Lagoon and Reef Flat complex east of Dili and b) coral dominated reef.
Class Number
of Polygons
Maximum Area (ha)
Average Area (ha)
Standard Deviation
Coral Dominated Fore-Reef & Escarpment 154 97 10.1 14.7Coral Dominated Reef Flat 119 53 3.8 7.6Deep Water, with coral likely in shallower areas 13 62,641 4,823.7 17,371.9Dense Seagrass Covered Reef Flat 234 124 4.0 12.1Mixed Coral, Seagrass & Open Reef Flat 302 44 4.2 6.0Sparse Seagrass Covered Reef Flat 219 165 5.4 16.9Table 6: Size and number of polygons mapped within each marine habitat class.
Seagrass and coral were found to occupy a similar total area around the Timor-Leste
north coast near-shore environment (approximately 2,000ha) (see Figure 23). Seagrass
tended to dominate the shallow waters of the reef flats adjacent to the shore at an
average depth of 1.0m and minimum of 0m, with more dense seagrass predominantly
found in deeper water (> 1m). Within points classified as seagrass from the field survey,
the average seagrass cover was 43% and a maximum cover of 100% recorded. Low
seagrass covers were also recorded during the field survey some points classified as
coral and bare. The mapped mixed coral, seagrass and open class tended to include
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areas with low cover, with the presence of either seagrass or coral, or often neither
possible and often occurred between a coral and seagrass dominated habitats.
Figure 23: a): Exposed seagrass covered reef flat and b) high density seagrass cover observed
on the north coast.
A traditional validation of the mapping could not be undertaken due to differences in
class definition between the field survey and mapping. However, comparisons with the
dominant benthic cover and geomorphic classification could be made (Table 7 and
Figure 24). Overall, there was approx. 8% true error (92% accuracy) in classification
between the mapped data and field survey of dominant benthic cover (e.g. an area
mapped as coral but recorded in the field as seagrass). High seagrass cover reef flats
appeared to include the greatest error, with almost a third of the points within this
habitat being bare. This highlights the difficulty in defining a boundary between high and
low seagrass covers using Landsat.
Class Code Algae Bare Coral Seagrass Grand TotalDW 25 48 2 242FRC 20 112 1 172RFC 7 15 2 29RFM 29 34 20 88RFSH 2 18 3 40 66RFSL 20 2 21 48Grand Total 2 120 215 86 648
Table 7: Comparison of mapped classes with field survey dominant benthic cover (numbers are counts).
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Figure 24: Habitat map with marine survey data overlain in the Metinaro region (see Table 1 for marine habitat codes).
5 DISCUSSION
5.1 Coastal-Marine Mapping
Timor-Leste has a coastline of 706km, however to-date, research on the extent and
status of its’ coastal and marine habitats, biodiversity and marine resources, has been
limited. While marine research studies have been undertaken, they have predominantly
focussed on localised, coral reef surveys (Hodgson 1999, Deutsch 2003, Wong & Chou
2004, Dutra and Taboada 2005) rather than habitat mapping. The current project has
undertaken remote sensing analyses and coastal-marine field validation and ground-
truthing to produce the first, broad-scale (1:100k) map of the coastal and marine
habitats of the north and east coast of Timor-Leste.
The current project has also confirmed that coastal-marine habitats on the north coast
of Timor Leste are limited – with most of the coastal estate being highly linear and
narrow in extent (ie. approximately 3km in width, with much of mapping confined to less
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than 1km in width). As such, coastal physiography (particularly the steep coastal
gradient and the absence of significant coastal plains) has resulted in a coastline
characterised by steep coastal cliffs and rocky headlands, interspersed with pocket
beaches and narrow fringing reefs – with limited development of estuaries, mangrove
forests (750ha), seagrass meadows (2,200ha) and coral reefs (2,000ha). With
increasing pressure on coastal-marine habitats and their resources (for fuel, timber and
food) in Timor Leste (Sandland 2001) and their limited extent - these habitats are
indeed highly vulnerability to further loss and over-exploitation. This underscores the
need for precautionary, adaptive approaches to coastal development and also,
emphasises the need for urgent progress on implementing integrated coastal planning
and management in Timor Leste, including coastal protection, regulations and
rehabilitation measures.
5.2 Mangroves & Coastal Wetlands
5.2.1 Distribution Mangroves occupy only a small area of Timor Leste (1,802ha) when compared with
neighbouring regions such as Indonesia (3,062,300ha) and Australia (1,451,411ha)
(see Table 8). This is due mostly to the coastal configuration and physiography of Timor
Leste, which unlike other islands of the Indonesian archipelago and the north coast of
Australia, does not include the salient coastal contours, physiographic features and
coastal processes, for significant mangrove development (ie. extensive low-lying
coastal plains, sheltered waters, sedimentary processes). Further, rivers in Timor Leste
flow intermittently and hence, large estuarine systems are generally absent.
Mangroves generally predominate on the north coast in inlets with calmer, protected
waters, with the largest contiguous block of mangroves found in the Metinaro region. In
contrast, on the wave exposed south coast, mangroves are generally confined to the
mouths of the streams, and marshy or swampy regions.
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Country Area (ha) *1 % World mangroves
No of true mangrovespecies *2
Timor Leste 1,802 0.001 19 Northern Territory 373,700 (woody
only) 2.4 37
Papua New Guinea 410,000 2.7 37 Australia 1,451,411 10 37 Indonesia 3,062,300 19 43 *1 Figures from FAO 2007 and Timor Survey *2 Species showing high fidelity to mangrove communities: additional species found near or occassionally in mangrove communities do occur.
Table 8: Regional comparison of mangrove extent and diversity. Based on recent FAO analysis (FAO 2007) approximately 15.2 million hectares of
mangroves are estimated to exist worldwide circa 2005 (down from 18.8 million
hectares in 1980). The most extensive mangrove area is found in Asia, followed by
Africa and North and Central America. Five countries (Indonesia, Australia, Brazil,
Nigeria and Mexico) together account for 48% of the total global area, with 65% of the
total mangrove area found in just ten countries. The remaining 35 percent is spread
over 114 countries and areas, of which 60 have less than 10 000 ha of mangroves
each. The mangroves in Timor Leste (1,800 ha) account for approximately 0.001% of
the estimated global mangrove extent.
5.2.2 Species Diversity Although the extent of mangroves is small in Timor Leste, in comparison to
neighbouring regions, they are reasonably diverse (ie. 19 species). Most common
mangrove genera are represented, although taxa found are less diverse than
surrounding regions. Most species found in Timor are also found along the Northern
Territory coastline and in Indonesia. Community composition and zonation is also
similar to that found in the Northern Territory with the exception of Sonneratia spp.
dominated forest communities which are found on coralline benches on the seaward
margins in Timor Leste. These are not found in Northern Territory mangrove habitats.
These coralline benches are also at a higher tidal level than the adjacent tall
Rhizophora spp. dominated forest communities, the reverse of that occurring in the
Northern Territory.
A total of 19 mangrove species were found during this survey (Table 9) and this
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2007). More species however are likely to be included following further field survey
work. All species found in Timor Leste are found in neighbouring regions. Using current
survey results and results from previous surveys in the region (FAO 2007), Table 10
provides a comparative overview of the individual mangrove species found within the
region.
Mangrove species recorded during current 2007 survey Acanthus ilicifolius Heritiera littoralis Acrostichum auream Lumnitzera racemosa Aegiceras corniculatum Pemphis acidula Avicennia marina Rhizophora apiculata Bruguiera gymnorrhiza Rhizophora stylosa Bruguiera parvifolia Scyphiphora hydrophylacea Ceriops australis Sonneratia alba Ceriops decandra Sonneratia caseolaris Excoecaria agallocha Xylocarpus mekongensis Excoecaria ovalis
Table9: Species of mangrove recorded in the current coastal mapping and survey of Timor Leste.
Table 10: Comparison of mangrove distribution in Timor Leste and the region. Based on results from the current 2007 coastal survey and previous regional accounts (FAO 2007).
5.2.3 Community Structure Mangroves of Timor Leste show typical zonation in community structure as found
elsewhere in the region. Zonation is determined by tidal regime and substrate type.
Community structure varies from bare saltpans through low open woodlands, low
closed forests to taller open forests and closed forests. Species composition varies from
mono-specific stands to those with 4 or 5 species.
On the seaward margins where tidally inundation is regular, Sonneratia alba and
Bruguiera parvifolia appear commonly in the sandy sediments adjacent to beaches,
Rhizophora spp. and Bruguiera spp.on the muddy sediments and Sonneratia alba again
in the coraligenous sediments with the Excoecaria agallocha. Where waters are
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stagnant or where tidal inundation is less regular Rhizophora spp. and Avicennia
marina grow on muddy sediments in conjunction with Aegiceras corniculatum, Acanthus
ilicifolius, and Lumnitzera racemosa. On dark argilous more or less flooded soils which
are rarely inundated by sea water, Lumnitzera racemosa, Heritiera litoralis and
Acanthus ilicifolius are more common.In hinterland regions, in the brackish waters
where inundation occurs only in the rainy period, or along the margins of the streams
on dark argilous more or less muddy substrates Avicennia marina, Achrosticum
circinalis, Dolichandrone spathacea and Melaleuca leucadendra may occur. The latter
two species belong primarily to the landward margins and secondary forests of the low
coastal regions. Landward margins of the mangroves zones, not abutting with beaches,
generally contain salt flats being either bare muds or with samphire vegetation.
5.2.4 Current Uses and Threats
The illegal harvest and loss of mangroves remains a critical coastal management issue
in Timor Leste, with previous estimates indicating that total mangrove cover has being
reduced by approximately 30% between 1940-2000, from 9,000ha to just 3,035ha (FAO
2003). The current project indicates further significant losses of mangrove habitat, with
just 1,802 ha recorded in 2008, ie. ~40% loss between 2000-2008, or disturbingly, an
approximate 80% loss of total mangrove habitat in Timor Leste, since 1940.
Mangrove trees are harvested for timber and fuel wood and in some instances
hinterland mangroves have been removed for brackish water shrimp and/or fish ponds.
Harvesting for fuel wood is particularly intense in the Metinaro region (Alongi & De
Carvalho 2008), which has the largest, best developed mangrove stands in Timor Leste,
stretching over 750ha. This stand is currently under threat from uncontrolled
exploitation from a camp of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) that is a temporary
home to over 6,000 people (MTRC Information Centre 2006). Mangroves are exploited
for firewood and food stuffs such as bivalves, snails and fish species (Arafura and Timor
Seas Experts Forum 2006).
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5.3 Marine Habitats
Significantly, Timor-Leste’s north coast sits on the edge of an underwater precipice, the
Wetar Strait, a marine trench approximately 3 km deep, which provides a major corridor
for pelagic and migrating marine megafauna (ie. whales, dolphins, turtles, dugongs,
pelagic fish). In these ‘deep yet nearshore’ environments, deep localised upwellings
enrich Timor Leste’s nearshore coral reefs, and also, bring both predators and prey to
within reach of the coast. While the status of Timor-Leste’s coral reefs were predicted to
be ‘promising’ by Hodgson (1999) due to limited commercial exploitation, recent reef
fish surveys by Deutsch (2003), Wong and Chou (2004) and Dutra and Taboada (2006),
suggest otherwise. Apart from that, little or no research information on the extent or
status of the coral reefs of Timor Leste is available.
The current project has confirmed that while shallow, nearshore coral reef habitat in
Timor Leste is limited (~2000ha), with little lagoonal reef flat development (~458ha),
there is little evidence of habitat damage (ie. dynamite blasting, coral bleaching).
Coral-dominated communities tended to dominate the fore reef and escarpment,
particularly where the reef flat was narrow, with the most extensive nearshore coral
habitats occurring in the Dili to Metinaro-Manututo region (ie. 40km coastline east of
Dili) and in the Com-Jaco Island region. Significantly, a further 1266 ha of mixed coral-
seagrass and open reef flat was identified and also, 62,708ha of potential coral habitat
was identified in deeper waters. The latter underscores the need for more detailed
mapping of deeper water coral habitats. Similarly, the nearshore seagrass meadows
are very limited in extent (~2000ha), due largely to the absence of estuarine
environments and reef flats.
The very limited extent of coral reef, seagrass and mangrove habitats on the north
coast of Timor Leste, impose strong limits on available marine resources and levels of
harvest (particularly reef fisheries, mangroves) and in the light of increasing human
resource use, underscore the urgent need for precautionary and effective conservation
management.
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6 CAPACITY-BUILDING & ENGAGEMENT The project was well-supported by the project partners, the Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries (MAF) – with a wide range of training outcomes for MAF staff. The project
focussed on delivering the following training in coral reef monitoring, coastal marine
habitat mapping and surveys, and marine taxonomy.
6.1 International ‘Reef Check’ Training
Training in marine species identification and also, coral reef monitoring was considered
a major training priority for MAF staff. Training in survey, marine species identification
and ongoing monitoring of coral reef habitats (including fish, invertebrates) was
undertaken using the international, ‘ReefCheck’ protocol (www.reefcheck.org).
Under the TL ‘ReefCheck’ Project, 2 trainers (Shane Penny, Leo Dutra) were trained to
deliver ‘ReefCheck’ training to MAF staff. The first training session for MAF staff was
undertaken on 8-12th October 2007 in Dili. Field training sites (K41, Dollar Beach) were
chosen by the ReefCheck trainer, Shane Penny (with the assistance of Wayne Lovell,
FreeFlow Diving), following a 2-day, pre-training and logistics visit (11-13th September
2007). ‘ReefCheck’ training was undertaken using both, the SCUBA-based protocol
and the snorkel-based protocol – and with the training delivered both, in English and in
Indonesian – using Indonesian training material and products. A total of 12 MAF staff
were trained – with 3 certified as Eco-Divers (see Appendix 6).
Since this time, NRETAS has continued to regularly monitor/support MAF staff with
regular visits. MAF staff analysed and uploaded results onto the international,
‘ReefCheck’ database, with assistance from NRETAS.
6.2 Coastal & Marine Habitat Surveys
The coastal survey was supported by MAF staff (Fisheries, Protected Areas), with 2
staff assisting with the mangrove-saltmarsh surveys near Manututo and a further 2 MAF
staff (ALGIS, Forestry) assisting with the coastal mapping at the other locations.
Knowledge was shared on plant identification and vegetation structural description, as
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engagement and participation by MAF. A total of 9 MAF staff (Fisheries, Forestry)
participated in the nearshore marine surveys, in addition to assisting with the
organisation of the field logistics (ie. liaison with local communities, boat hire,
accommodation, etc.). Prior to the marine field work, NRETAS ran a ½ day workshop
for MAF participants on the use of GPS, depth sounders and remote underwater
videos, and the benthic habitat classification.
6.3 Marine Taxonomy
Two MAF staff (Raphael Pereira, Fernando de Silva) received training in polychaete
taxonomy, as part of a 5-day, Marine Polychaete Taxonomy Workshop (1-5 October
2007) being held in Darwin, by the NT Museum & Art Gallery (NRETAS). Marine
polychaetes are a ubiquitous and dominant faunal group in tropical marine
environments, particularly in soft sediments. They are also a key indicator group for
assessing the impacts of marine pollution.
6.4 Regional Engagement
The Timor Leste coastal-marine habitat mapping program was presented at the recent
CDU-sponsored, regional GIS workshop in Kupang [‘GIS Applications for Sustainable
Development & Good Governance in Eastern Indonesia & Timor Leste’ (5-6 May,
Kupang)] and received very positive feedback. Significantly, government and research
participants at the workshop expressed considerable interest in the need to extend this
integrated research and training program to West Timor (and Flores).
7 EMERGING ISSUES & PRIORITIES
In consultation with key MAF staff (and other relevant GoTL agencies), the following
emerging issues and priorities for further work have been identified:
1. Following successful mapping and characterisation of the coastal and nearshore marine environments of the north and eastern coasts, further work is required on mapping the coastal and marine habitats of the south coast, and Oecussi, to complete a full mapping coverage at the national level.
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In identifying GoTL priorities for further coastal-marine habitat mapping, MAF have highlighted the need to address priorities for MPA network planning in Timor Leste - particularly, within the context of the broader, MPA network planning in the Lesser Sunda region being undertaken collaboratively with Indonesia (and The Nature Conservancy). To this end, MAF have identified the following priorities for further mapping: (1) west of Dili, including proposed sites for MPAs (high priority); (2) Oecussi (low priority); (3) south coast (low priority). Coastal (terrestrial) mapping and marine mapping were both identified as of equal importance.
2. The current marine and coastal habitat mapping and field survey program provides essential information to inform broad-scale conservation (ie. MPA) and regional coastal-marine resource planning and development (ie. fisheries, aquaculture, ecotourism). Finer-scale mapping however is required for local-scale, site-based management and sustainable resource use (ie. MPA zoning, developments) and in the short to medium term, is essential for future planning, sustainable use and management of the Timor-Leste coastal zone. Specifically, fine-scale mapping is required to assist the proposed zoning of the Nino Konis Santana Marine Park.
In identifying GoTL mapping priorities, finer-scale mapping for the Nino Konis Santana Marine Park was identified as the highest mapping priority, building on mapping being undertaken by ALGIS. Areas need to be prioritised for finer-scale mapping and a common classification scheme developed for the Timor Leste region. Capacity building was identified as high priority as it would deliver skills and knowledge for MAF (Fisheries/ALGIS) staff to specifically undertake mapping and spatial data analysis at both, the fine and broad-scale.
3. The current project has also highlighted the considerable opportunities (and
government interest) in extending the current coastal habitat mapping and training program to West Timor (and Flores).
MAF have identified capacity-building (training and equipment) in coastal-marine habitat mapping between Timor Leste, Australia (Northern Territory) and Indonesia (Nusa Tengarra Timor), as a high priority. Further, the need for a common classification scheme (and scales of information) and methods, across the region has also been identified as a key priority. This could be implemented through a regional, coastal mapping workshop, with participants from MAF (Fisheries/ALGIS), Nusa Tengarra Timor and the Northern Territory. This workshop would define terms of reference between the 3 countries on classification schemes and priorities and also, develop a plan of action. MAF also identified the need to train 2-3 staff in marine and coastal GIS and remote sensing techniques, in partnership with CDU.
4. Database training and knowledge management (and also, awareness of Intellectual
Property) is a priority area for training of MAF (and other government agency staff). With knowledge capture and the building of GIS and knowledge systems, training is required by MAF staff in database management, data standards, Intellectual Property and formal data agreements. MAF have also identified database training and knowledge management as a priority area for capacity-building and training of MAF and GoTL staff.
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5. MAF recognise the importance of Intellectual Property and knowledge management and recommend that all requests for data/information arising from work currently undertaken by MAF (and the Government of Timor Leste) (including this partnership program) should be subject to a formal data agreement.
6. Under the CTI National Plan of Action for Timor Leste, the Wetar Strait is priority
‘seascape’ requiring deep water habitat mapping. MAF, however, do not consider this a mapping priority, given the current priorities and lack of capacity and resources within MAF.
7. Given the success of the ‘ReefCheck’ program in Timor Leste, MAF have identified
the need to support and expand the existing MAF ‘ReefCheck’ survey program and team in Timor Leste. This includes establishing regular monitoring, 2-4 times year per site and increasing the number of sites across the northern coast. It was recommended that: (a) the reef survey program use ‘ReefCheck’ and also, other survey methods; (b) include impacted sites; and (c) establish regular monitoring sites within the Nino Konis Santana Marine Park (both, inside and outside the park).
8. MAF have identified the need to build on the TL ‘ReefCheck’ program (and results)
and develop a school-based, marine education and public awareness program, to highlight the status, condition and threats facing coral reefs in Timor Leste. In the Com-Tutuala region, this education campaign could be a component of a broader, Marine Park community outreach and education program.
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Appendix 6: ‘Reef Check’ Training and Surveys in Timor Leste. Reef Check timeline of events 2007, October 9th –10th Ecodiver and snorkeller training, Dili & K41 2008, August 1st 1st all Timor-Leste Reefcheck survey at K41 2008, November 25th Reefcheck survey at Valu beach 2009, June 8th Reefcheck survey at K41
Reef Check Ecodivers and snorkellers
Ecodiver Carlos de Jesus Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas Ecodiver Celestino Barreto da Cunha Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas Ecodiver Anselmo Lopes Amaral Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas
Snorkeller Constancio Santos Silva Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas Snorkeller Jose Monteiro Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas Snorkeller Bendito Trindade Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas Snorkeller Lucas Fernandes Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas Snorkeller Narciso Almeida de Carvalho Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas Snorkeller Jose Nunes Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas
Reef Check survey sites K41 S 8o 28’ 30” E 125 o 53’
00” Valu Beach S 8o 24’ 40” E 127 o 18’
04”
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Appendix 6: ‘Reef Check’ Training and Surveys in Timor Leste. Reef Check timeline of events 2007, October 9th –10th Ecodiver and snorkeller training, Dili & K41 2008, August 1st 1st all Timor-Leste Reefcheck survey at K41 2008, November 25th Reefcheck survey at Valu beach 2009, June 8th Reefcheck survey at K41
Reef Check Ecodivers and snorkellers
Ecodiver Carlos de Jesus Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas Ecodiver Celestino Barreto da Cunha Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas Ecodiver Anselmo Lopes Amaral Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas
Snorkeller Constancio Santos Silva Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas Snorkeller Jose Monteiro Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas Snorkeller Bendito Trindade Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas Snorkeller Lucas Fernandes Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas Snorkeller Narciso Almeida de Carvalho Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas Snorkeller Jose Nunes Ministério da Agricultura e Pescas
Reef Check survey sites K41 S 8o 28’ 30” E 125 o 53’