LINI is excited to announce our return to the Banda Islands, where we are actively engaged in a variety of programs aimed at supporting local communities. This initiative has been made possible through the generous support of the NAPA Seafood Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in California that is committed to making a positive global impact through philanthropy and community development initiatives centered around the realm of seafood.
Earlier this year, we established a collaborative agreement with the University of Banda Naira (UBN). The primary focus of this partnership is to offer scholarships to individuals from Banda Islands to study at UBN. Additionally, our collaboration extends support to initiatives related to coral reef conservation and fisheries data management. This partnership aims to further fortify the connections that have been nurtured between LINI and UBN since 2015. Over this period, faculty members and students from the university have contributed significantly to the data management of the handline tuna fishery.
As part of our commitment to coral reef conservation and effective fisheries data management, we recently formalized a collaborative agreement with Balai Kawasan Konservasi Perairan Nasional (BKKPN) Kupang (Kupang Water Conservation Area Unit Kupang) on August 15th. Then, on August 24th, in collaboration with BKKPN Kupang and local stakeholders, we embarked on a mission to deploy 150 reefstars and transplant over 2000 corals, thereby expanding the reef restoration area in Banda Neira.
Our vision is that, by responsibly managing fisheries, the people of the Banda Islands will prosper with continued support from a sustainable fisheries supply chain.
By Gayatri Reksodihardjo-Lilley