The Legal Functions of Marine Conservation Forum in Supporting the Development of Marine Conservation Areas in Rote Ndao Regency

Marine Conservation Areas have significant contributions to many aspects of human life. Conservation of marine resources performed by governments and non-governmental organizations and institutions is therefore considered highly important. The purpose of this study was to identify the legal functions of Marine Conservation Forum in Rote Ndao regency. This qualitative inquiry employed interview method to collect data from the study participants who were the members of the Forum. Primary and secondary legal materials including the 1945 Constitution, Laws and Government Regulations were also used and analysed in this study. The findings indicated that Rote Ndao Marine Conservation Forum was established with the Decree of Rote Ndao Regent No. 116/Kep/HK/2017 and normatively functioned in supporting the development of marine conservation programs in Rote Ndao regency. The Forum functioned in facilitating community participation in the implementation of marine conservation-related activities and programs. However, low level of understanding of the members of the Forum about its activities and programs, low participation of the Forum's members and lack of strategies and protocol to follow during activity or program implementation, were found to be the barriers to the successful implementation of its activities and programs. The improvement of understanding and quality of the members of the Forum is therefore required. Besides, there is a need to develop strategies and protocol to follow by all members in implementing activities and programs of the Forum. Further studies to understand what could be done by the local government support and improve the performance of the Forum are recommended.