Japesda strengthens maritime territorial literacy for coastal communities
The Advocacy Network for Natural Resource Management (Japesda) is strengthening maritime territorial literacy for coastal communities in Bajo Tilamuta Village, Boalemo Regency, Gorontalo, through documenting village history, mapping managed areas, and providing advocacy education for the younger generation.
Japesda Director Christopel Paino stated on Friday that strengthening maritime territorial literacy aims to rebuild the community’s understanding of their historical relationship with the sea, which has begun to fade due to social changes, technological developments, and the impacts of climate change.
“We are promoting maritime territorial literacy so that the community can re-understand their history and relationship with the sea. Many feel the impacts of climate change but do not yet have a way to articulate these issues within the context of their living space,” Christopel said.
In addition to documenting history, Japesda is also facilitating participatory mapping of marine managed areas with the community. These maps are combined with historical documents to strengthen the community’s knowledge regarding the boundaries of their living space.
According to Christopel, maritime territorial literacy not only aims to record history but also to strengthen the community’s position in safeguarding their managed areas amidst increasing development pressures in coastal regions.
“We want the community to understand that the sea is not just an open space, but a living space that they have managed for generations. This knowledge is crucial as a basis for fighting for the recognition and protection of their managed areas,” he said.
Japesda is also documenting the traditional conservation practices of the Bajo community, such as island areas considered sacred or taboo, which are therefore protected from exploitation. He noted that these practices represent a form of ecosystem protection that has been passed down through generations.
As part of community capacity building, Japesda organises a monthly Coastal Advocacy School (Sadar). The activity is attended by youth and young fishermen, covering themes ranging from the rights of coastal communities and climate change to community-based marine area management.
Christopel hopes that this series of maritime territorial literacy activities will strengthen coastal communities’ knowledge of their history, living spaces, and rights, enabling them to play an active role in maintaining the sustainability of marine areas in the future.