The mission toward the need for this funding is to ensure that the way of life in Tekaman is preserved
through marine sustainability. By traditional meaning, the way of life in Tekaman is defined by the
people?s strong connection with the sea. Fish provides most proteins for the people of Tekaman and in
return the people protect their marine resources by maintaining their ways of fishing. Seagrass habitats
have provided generations of I-Tekaman with a rich fishing ground that is both significant to the culture
and food security of the village. Traditionally, the habitat was protected in the past through cultural
practices. Today, these practices are beginning to fade thus seagrass habitats are threatened. The everchanging
culture in Tekaman with addition to population growth and the increase in modernization are
contributing factors that does not only threatened the wellbeing of seagrass habitats in Tekaman, but
also destabilize the way of life and the cultural livings that seagrass habitat offers to the village of
Tekaman. To keep up with these changes, the village in collaboration with the Community Based
Fisheries Management (CBFM) programme from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
Development (MFMRD), decided to protect their marine resources by establishing a Community-led
Fisheries Management Plan in 2020. Management measures within Tekaman?s fisheries management
plan that protect and maintain seagrasses include the banning the traditional fishing method of te
uakeang and banning motorized boats from moving over the seagrass (thus preventing their propellers
from uprooting, cutting and/or destroying seagrass habitats). By traditionally meaning, closing the
seagrass habitat to the public will risk the food security of Tekaman village thus, the aim of this proposal
is to seek support grants that will enable management measures for the protection of seagrass habitats
in Takaman while at the same time, support the food security of the village. The objectives of the project
are as follows.
1. Climate Change Resilience through the Revitalization and protection of the health of Seagrass
habitats in Tekaman
2. Divert Fishing Activities from coastal, seagrass fishing areas toward a more pelagic and
sustainable fishing ground.
3. Uphold traditional ways of Living through fisheries initiatives that ensures sustainability within Tekaman fisheries.
4. Instigate full management measure and protection of Tekaman seagrass