Malau Lalos’ strive for MPA status leads to discovery of the World’s Largest Coral
By Andrea Ma’ahanua
Gaining Marine Protected Area (MPA) Status has been a long-time goal for the landowners of Malau Lalo island in Makira-Ulawa Province.
Chief of the Po’onapaina Tribe in Ulawa, Dennis Marita enforced a traditional chiefly order to conserve the islands marine environment after years of over-exploitation by illegal settlers.
The traditional order cordoned off sections of reef from fishing, banned the harvest of specific species such as sharks and turtles, and prohibited all fishing techniques except pole and line fishing.
Several years after enforcing the order, Marita said that the community has made some progress.
“By 2013 we started to see a big change in the environment. You could see more fish and turtles swimming about, and stingrays by the shore. It was as if the island had come alive.”
Chief of the Po’onapaina Tribe in Ulawa, Dennis Marita.
However, the thriving marine ecosystem surrounding Malau Lalo did not go unnoticed by populations inhabiting nearby islands and locals began to notice individuals breaching the traditional order.
It was at this point that Marita and his community decided to seek further assistance from national authorities by obtaining MPA status.
“We decided that it was best to ask the Government for help as our conservation was solely based on the authority of traditional leadership, without any support or training…”
“We are only thinking about the future. If we conserve the resources on the island then it can also benefit our children,” Marita emphasized.
The Ministry of Environment had responded positively to their appeal during the pandemic period, and a marine bio-diversity survey was conducted last year.
The community just recently welcomed the National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition team, who uncovered the world’s largest coral off the shores of Malau Lalo.
Tess Goldhagen and Ronnie Posala dive over the massive coral while it is being measured. Photo: National Geographic
Marita highlighted that the discovery is a symbol of achievement after years of conservation efforts and it will also support their quest for MPA status.
“We believe that islands are living beings, they feel and they can react. It has seen our efforts and our strive to safeguard the resources on the island so now it has given back to us.”
He also calls on responsible authorities to work together with the people of Malau Lalo and the Three Sister Islands.
“It is time to work together with us so that we conserve, we preserve and we look after this very important resource and discovery that they have uncovered for us.”
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