MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) is a Christian organisation reaching women, men, and children in over 25 countries. Operating more than 115 aircraft, MAF’s pilots overcome terrain that has become inaccessible due to derelict roads, natural disaster, or violent conflict. MAF aircraft fly into more than 1,000 destinations - transporting food and water, health professionals and medical supplies, and emergency workers and Christian missionaries where they are needed most. Each flight brings practical help, spiritual hope and physical healing to thousands of isolated people in remote communities for whom flying is a lifeline not a luxury.
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 YEARS!
With the end of our 80th anniversary year on the horizon, thoughts turn to the miracle of Christmas and the words of 2 Corinthians 9:15, ‘Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!’
The love shown by the Father in sending His Son to save us is - of course - the reason MAF was established in 1945, when a war-torn world was in desperate need of a guiding light.
The support for isolated men, women and children that pours from your heart is similarly hard to describe.
Love is the gift that makes MAF a dynamic force for Gospel transformation. Love recreates a broken world in His image.
Thank you, for your love!
All glory to our God!
A MESSAGE FROM MAF’S LEADERS
Do all people have equal worth?
In 2018, the world held its breath, as rescue teams brought out - one by one - thirteen terrified young people trapped in a cave in Thailand. Substantial resources were poured into the rescue operation, but no one questioned the cost: the lives of those young people were worth it. And the world celebrated, tears of joy filling our eyes, as we watched the boys and girls emerge safe and sound.
But do all people have equal worth?
An injured child in Liberia. A survivor of floods in Kenya. A refugee in Uganda. A teenage girl sexually assaulted in South Sudan. A pregnant woman in urgent need of a caesarean section, who will have to be carried for a week through the jungle in Papua New Guinea. A child dying, due to not being vaccinated. Is it worth using substantial resources to help them?
The needs seem endless — and, tragically, they are increasing.
Today, according to the UNHCR, more than 122 million people are forcibly displaced. The causes of this substantial flow of refugees include war and armed conflict, persecution and severe human rights violations, climate-related and environmental factors, economic collapse, and humanitarian crises. More than 800 million people live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than R37.90 a day, 80 percent of whom live in isolated, rural areas.
Can we lighten their suffering?
MAF´s calling is to bring help, hope, and healing to people living in isolated places and difficult circumstances. MAF´s mission is about being present. It’s about seeing their needs, opening our hearts — and flying where others do not. MAF is committed to fulfilling the wishes of our loyal supporters and donors, who want to help where the suffering is greatest. MAF is a lifeline for innumerable remote communities that lack clinics, vaccines, schools, churches, and food… the essentials of life!
Our deepest desire is to show God’s love through our flights – because every person is worthy of love, and of being given hope for a better future. At MAF, we can´t turn our backs on reality and pretend that we don’t see – because we do see. Every day, we see our brothers and sisters, God´s beloved children – they are truly “the apple of God’s eye!”
Our mission will always be to help the people who are most in need. They are truly worth it. So this is what we do: one flight at a time.
Yours in Christ,
MAXINE HOLMAN CEO OF MAF IN SA
AFTER TWO GENERATIONS, THE BIBLE IN THE NGALIK LANGUAGE
After decades of dedication and perseverance, a dream has come true in Dekai, Papua: the Bible has finally arrived in the Ngalik language – marking a new chapter of hope for an entire language community.
Over 60 years ago, the story began with the pioneering spirit of two missionaries: Ed and Shirley Maxey arrived in the village of Silimo in 1960. With great commitment, they not only built a house and an airstrip but also dedicated themselves to learning and writing down the Ngalik language. They found support in two local young men, Enos and Amos, who passionately devoted themselves to translating the Bible.
Something remarkable happened in 1989. Buzz, the son of Ed and Shirley, together with his wife Myrna, took over and continued the work that Buzz’s parents had started.
Two generations, one mission.
Over all these years, the Gospel, amid all the tribal wars, captured the hearts of the people.
All along, MAF accompanied the project, providing flights and logistics so that the translators could continue their work.
The joy of the MAF team was all the greater when they were able to participate in the festive Bible dedication ceremonies in the town of Dekai in Papua last February.
TWO GENERATIONS, ONE MISSION.
However, the work is not yet finished—to this day, there are still numerous language groups in Papua waiting for the Bible in their mother tongue...
Bible dedication celebration in the town of Dekai.
C o ral Sea
Indian Oce an
Port Mor esby
Mount Hagen
Oksapmin
Maluk u
FROM SEED TO SERVICE: OUR LEARNING JOURNEYS
MAF’s team share how they went from calling, to training, to using their skills, to serve isolated communities.
At 15, Timothée Berger’s aviation imagination was piqued while flying radio-controlled aircraft at a Christian aviation camp.
Now, the Swiss pilot is flying with MAF in Arnhem Land, Australia, where he is part of a new generation of pilots transporting healthcare teams, students and teachers to bring help, hope and healing to this remote region.
“I was interested in aviation only if I could serve the Lord,” said Timothée.
“There was this lady who came and shared her testimony about her journey as a missionary bush pilot. And I found it really fascinating.”
Timothée chose the MAF Training Centre in Mareeba, Australia, as his study destination because he wanted to improve his English while he learnt to fly.
“From the day you start, up to the end, you fly
the whole time. And so probably you learn a bit quicker,” he said.
And his advice for anyone seeking a similar path is “Be patient and persevering for sure, because it is a long journey. And keep praying about it.”
Melissa first joined MAF in 2022 as a Reservations Officer in Arnhem Land. A few months in, she sensed God’s call to swap the desk for the cockpit.
Already a qualified pilot, she was facing a choice of pursuing a career with airlines or flying for MAF.
“After getting here, I fell in love with the place pretty quickly,” she said.
Now, after completing the necessary training to become a MAF pilot, Mel flies across East Arnhem Land, where rough roads and seasonal floods isolate communities.
On one flight, Mel was dropping off school kids in Gangan when the call came through to pick up a pregnant woman who was unwell. She removed a seat from the plane to give the woman extra space, they prayed together, and they were soon on their way.
“THERE WAS THIS LADY WHO CAME AND SHARED HER TESTIMONY ABOUT HER JOURNEY AS A MISSIONARY BUSH PILOT. AND I FOUND IT REALLY FASCINATING.”
“She was in a fair bit of pain trying to get into the plane,” said Mel. “But then once we got up and flying, within ten minutes she’d fallen asleep, and she slept all the way back.”
In Papua New Guinea, Jade Kunika started as ground crew and worked his way up to Maintenance Operations Supervisor at MAF’s base in Mount Hagen.
“It wasn’t easy,” Jade said. “To be an engineer involves a lot of discipline, hard work, commitment, dedication.
“Sometimes there are times in which you get to isolate yourself from the rest of the group, trying to make your progress, studying, to pass those exams to be licensed.”
As Jade reflects on his journey, he added: “Ten years ago, I didn’t know that I would be able to do this. And yeah, I would say thank you to MAF. Thank you to God for MAF.”
Starting their learning journey in the UK, Matthew Veale and Chris Watkins talked about MAF’s Engineering Training Scheme and their dream of serving isolated communities.
“I really wanted to join MAF, I felt called to that, and I always enjoyed learning about how things worked. This was a natural progression of all those things,” Matthew said.
“I’m getting a lot of really great experience in a variety of aircraft, the types MAF use out in programmes.”
Chris has finished the two-year course in Perth, Scotland, and needs to add practical experience before getting his engineering licence.
“It’s been a great journey, it’s something I wasn’t sure I could do but MAF were very encouraging and helped me to see which areas I could work on,” he said.
Jade Kunika is now Maintenance Operations Supervisor at MAF’s base in Mount Hagen, PNG.
Swiss Timothée Berger pilot trained in Mareeba, Australia.
Matthew Veale is learning through MAF’s Engineering Training Scheme in the UK.
“I was working in IT and I started becoming disillusioned with the corporate lifestyle and I wondered if my 9 to 5 was something I could give to God as well.”
And his advice for the next generation feeling the call to serve?
“Get in contact, speak to the guys, they’ll be able to help you find the right place for you.”
Timothée Berger is now flying in MAF’s Arnhem Land programme.
Pilot Mel Higgins and Sam Armstrong prepare a MAF plane for a medical flight.
Chris Watkins has completed an engineering course in Scotland.
A NEW FUTURE FOR REFUGEE CHILDREN
Over one million refugees from war-torn South Sudan have sought safety in northern Uganda. Among them are children growing up amid uncertainty. But at Peace Nursery and Primary School in Olua, run by MAF’s partner PEACE International, hope is taking root – and children are completing their education.
The schoolyard at Peace Nursery and Primary School is teeming with life. Laughter is loud, and children in tidy school uniforms run between each other.
Here we meet Achol Bol Mabior, mother of 15-year-old graduate Akech who fled with her children when the war became too dangerous for them back home in South Sudan.
That Akech got the opportunity to go to school feels almost like a dream come true for the mother and the young boy.
“I want my children to get an education –because I never had that chance! I hope they can study and support their siblings,” she says.
“I used to do a lot of work, but now I have less strength, and I can only see with one eye. I want to start sewing clothes and save a little every day so that this boy can go back to school.”
And the young graduate, standing next to his mother, knows that education will be the key to a brighter future.
“I want to become an engineer. When I see people working with electricity, I admire them and I feel like I want to be like them,” he says.
“When I study, I’ll be in position to help my family. I want to build a house for my mother and help her raise my other siblings.”
THE KEY TO PEACE
From a life of uncertainty, the children now experience play, learning, and a sense of belonging at school. Image:Peace Int.
The civil war in South Sudan broke out in December 2013, just two years after the country’s independence. The conflict quickly developed into a brutal war marked by ethnic violence, leading to a major humanitarian crisis. Thousands of families fled to neighbouring
“YOU FIND THE BEST AND WORST OF HUMANITY COMING TOGETHER. PEOPLE WHO HAVE LOST HOPE ARE SERVED BY THOSE WHO GIVE THEIR LIVES TO BRING HOPE,”
Uganda, and many children grew up without access to even basic education.
PEACE International responded to this urgent need. Their mission is to promote peace by offering hope through education, leadership training, and support for women. Today, the school they run provides education, trauma care, and two daily meals to more than 850 students, from nursery to 7th grade.
“Education is the key to shaping the lives of refugees,” says Rosemary Khamati, the founder of PEACE International, who was flown in for the graduation ceremony.
“They will sit around the table and discuss issues instead of engaging in physical wars. Education is a change agent and an agent of peace as we pursue a Christ-centred education for the students.”
FLYING FOR THE FUTURE
Achol Bol Mabior fled South Sudan with her children. Now, her son Akech stands proudly by her side – as she dreams of seeing him build a better future.
Rosemary Khamati took the initiative to start the school after seeing how many children in the camps were left without education.
MAF has been an important partner for PEACE International for several years – including flying more than 1,000 bibles and school supplies to students and leaders. MAF has transported partners to provide trauma care and peacebuilding training for teachers, women, and pastors.
Ruth Jack, MAF’s Country Director in Uganda, described what refugee camps mean to her.
“There, you find the best and worst of humanity coming together. People who have lost hope are served by those who give their lives to bring hope,” she says.
“Our partners have expressed how important our flights are to them, because they make their work a lot easier and more efficient.”
Graduating students wait in anticipation for the certificate ceremony – a major milestone for children who have grown up as refugees.
BECOME A REGULAR GIVER.
Keep planes flying and isolated people helped by giving a regular gift to Mission Aviation Fellowship.
Regular gifts allow us to plan for the future and focus on bringing help, hope and healing to isolated people worldwide.
Fuel the mission and fly hope further by giving a monthly gift: Visit mafsa.co.za/donate or email maf@mafsa.co.za to find out more and become a regular giver today. Scan Here
LATEST VACANCIES
AVIATION OPS MANAGER GUINEA
ENQUIRE
COUNTRY DIRECTOR LIBERIA
ENQUIRE
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MANAGER WEST AFRICA
ENQUIRE
We are seeking an Operations Manager (Aviation) to oversee the flight operations and pursue the necessary permits and licenses to operate in Guinea with MAF aircraft and build a good partner relationship with all our customers.
This exciting new role is crucial in supporting the Country Director and leadership team in achieving the organisation’s strategic and operational objectives.
Requirments: You will ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant flight operations within Guinea. You will be confident in managing pilot documentation, equipping and supporting pilots, and optimising aircraft utilisation in collaboration with the Chief Engineer.You’ll oversee adherence to safety standards and flight operation procedures, support team development through coaching and training, and drive operational planning and resource efficiency. Additionally, you’ll provide leadership to the aviation team, foster partnerships with service users and stakeholders, and contribute to strategic planning.
Be part of a purpose-driven team delivering reliable flight services and meaningful impact in Guinea.
MAF has been working in Liberia for a number of years providing essential support through numerous partners. We operate a Cessna Caravan based in Monrovia where we offer shuttle services, charter services and very often, medical evacuations. We are currently the only humanitarian flight service in the country and to continue this work and take it further, we now require a Country Director. Your role will be to lead our Liberia programme where you will be responsible for the overall management of the programme. You will manage and oversee all aspects of the programme as well as be in charge of providing inspired leadership.
Requirments: As the Country Director there are five key areas we are looking this person to fulfill - Strategic, Planning, Leadership, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, Influencing. You will work closely with the Regional Director, supported by technical and support functions to fulfill to develop, lead and implement the programmes strategy. You will develop and implement a clear and realistic ministry impact plan for the country and lead the team and operations to ensure impact is maximised. As a leader of people you will guide and provide an environment where staff can flourish professionally and spiritually and also raise up and develop leaders for the future.
MAF has served in Liberia for several years and has recently launched a programme in Guinea. To strengthen and expand relationships across West Africa, we are recruiting a Partnership Development Manager based in Liberia, with outreach responsibilities covering Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.
In this strategic role, you’ll work closely with the West Africa Programmes Leadership to build and maintain strong partnerships with government bodies, diplomatic agencies, churches, missions, and institutional donors. Your focus will be on expanding sustainable MAF operations throughout West Africa to better serve those in greatest need.
Requirments: As Partnership Development Manager for West Africa, you will be responsible for identifying and responding to the spiritual and humanitarian needs across Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. This includes monitoring regional developments, building a knowledge base of sector activity, and establishing strategic opportunities for MAF to serve isolated communities. You will work to strengthen relationships with government agencies, churches, NGOs, and donors, while also supporting agreements and frameworks that facilitate MAF’s aviation operations in the region.
PRAYER DIARY PRAY FOR OUR PROGRAMMES
MAF SERVES IN MULTIPLE COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD WITH THE VISION OF TAKING CHRIST’S LOVE INTO THE MOST REMOTE PLACES ON EARTH.
MOZAMBIQUE PAPUA NEW GUINEA MAF GLOBAL
Mozambique continues to experience unrest in the north, please pray for protection over communities and targeted Christian ministries.
Praise God for local staff members in Mozambique who have a heart to share the JESUS film with remote villages.
INDONESIA
Pray for the filling of important teaching vacancies at the Highlands Christian Grammar School in Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea.
Continue to pray for the launch team preparing for MAF operations in Bougainville. Give thanks for funds received for the construction of a hangar and funding which will provide a number of remote health facilities with power and communications.
Many of our programmes are in need of replacement vehicles. Without a dependable vehicle, many staff members cannot get to work, so pray for funding to be able to replace these cars.
There have been visa challenges for foreign nationals working with various MAF programmes. Pray for favour with authorities to resolve these issues.
Praise God for the work happening at MAF’s “hospital house” in Tarakan, Kalimantan, Indonesia. After a man fell off a roof in Mahak Baru, MAF flew him to Tarakan for care. While he recovered, his family stayed at the hospital house.
UGANDA SOUTH SUDAN GUINEA MAF ENGINEERS
Pray for the team in Uganda as they prepare for the arrival of the float plane and as pilots begin their float plane training.
Praise God that MAF flights support Peace International’s work to provide help and assistance to under-pressure Christian teachers at a primary school in a refugee camp in northern Uganda.
Praise God that a new airstrip was built in Jonglei State, South Sudan. The airstrip is located in the middle of three communities, where intercommunal violence is prevalent. Pray that as MAF serves in this community, the violence will decrease and peace would reign.
Pray for the progress and funding of the new housing and school compound in South Sudan.
Praise God that MAF was able to fly a missionary medical specialist to Macenta, Guinea and bring hope and healing to leprosy patients there, helping them reintegrate into society.
Pray for the expansion of a primary school in Guinea, which will enable more children to benefit from an education. Praise God that MAF is able to fly the project leader to this school, over 600km away from the capital, Conakry.
Lift up the engineers in Arnhem Land and Mareeba who are working to keep our aircraft in the air, despite several challenges.
Pray that Christians with a heart for engineering will discover MAF and follow God’s leading to join MAF and help fill the widespread shortage of engineers in aviation.
Pray that God will guide and give wisdom to everyone involved at Global Forum as they plan for MAF’s future.
Pray for the families from the Haiti program who are transitioning to new roles throughout the organization and in different programs for at least two years.
Pray for a patient who was evacuated for emergency medical care from Qaka Nek, Lesotho.
Praise God that a mechanic in the Lesotho programme is now certified to sign off on aircraft airworthiness.
MYANMAR CHAD
Pray for the nation of Myanmar to get back on track with stability and development so that MAF can fly and take part in the nation’s rebuilding efforts.
TECHNOLOGIES
Please pray for the solar & electrical team with MAF Technologies who have many solar projects to complete in the next three months.
Pray for progression of a new airstrip that is being built in Liberia. Pray for the communities this will reach.
Praise God that MAF was able to safely deliver four large solar panels and a 300-pound lithium battery to a school in Bokoro town in Democratic Republic of the Congo that had been without electricity due to flooding. Pray that the instillation will be a success.
TIMORE-LESTE MAF YOUTH
Continue to lift up the programme in Chad as they seek the aviation authorities’ favour with documentation for the aircraft there.
Praise God that a little girl who was bitten by a snake in Timor-Leste was able to be taken to hospital in just 25 minutes and recover fully.
Give thanks that several young people are interested in joining MAF in the future; pray for guidance for them and for prayerful and financial support.
VACANCIES KENYA INDIA
Continue to lift up the recruitment needs of the organisation. There are many roles that need filling. Pray that people who want to go out into the mission field get connected to MAF.
Pray for preparations for a MAF in Sweden Co-Pilot (MAF youth initiative) trip to Kenya that will be going ahead in October. Pray that the young people going will be touched by the mission to spread Christ’s love.
Please pray for the team as they work to raise awareness of MAF among the global Indian diaspora, particularly in the Middle East.
A NEW FLOATPLANE WILL BE REACHING THE REMOTE ISLANDS OF LAKE VICTORIA
“THERE ARE OVER 200 ISLANDS, AND MY DREAM IS THAT EVERY ISLAND WILL BE REACHED.
IS A GOD OF IMPOSSIBILITIES. WHAT IS NOT POSSIBLE WITH MAN IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD.”
SAM BAGUMA, DEPUTY COUNTRY DIRECTOR OF MAF IN UGANDA
Change Is In The Air
Big news from Uganda: The MAF team is getting ready to reach people living on the remote island of Lake Victoria – by floatplane! Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, stretches across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. “It feels like a small ocean,” says Ruth Jack, Country Director of MAF in Uganda. “Some of the most isolated people in the country live on the many islands in Lake Victoria.” For years, many island communities here lived in isolation. Little to no access to healthcare, education, or the gospel have been the norm. But now, change is in the air.
“There are no hospitals on any of the islands,” explains Samuel Wasswa, a local resident who has lived on Buyovu Island for 15 years. “The only way people can get to the hospital on the mainland is by canoe – and these often overturn when the winds become rough. So many accidents happen on the lake, even involving pregnant women.” It is estimated that about 5,000 people lose their lives on Lake Victoria each year.
This transportation problem has left many islanders unattended and severely disadvantaged in many areas of development. This may explain the high HIV/AIDS rates, high illiteracy, and early pregnancies among girls. NGOs like Compassion and World Vision have cited the dangerous travel conditions as a reason for not expanding their work to these islands – even though the need is great.
MAF experts recently visited islands like Lwanabatya and Buyovu to scout safe floatplane docking locations. Samuel Wasswa couldn’t be happier: “The plane will bring doctors, teachers — people we’ve needed for so long.”
By connecting the islands to the mainland, the floatplane will drastically cut travel time: from 8 hours by boat to just 20 minutes by air. This will have an immediate and lasting impact. Faster, safer transportation means better healthcare, improved education, and the spreading of the Good News to some of the world’s most isolated communities.
Timeline
16 JANUARY 2024
Floatplane purchased
SPRING 2025
Docking locations identified
2026
Floatplane operational on 10 islands
...AND BEYOND
Reaching the remaining islands of Lake Victoria
Interview with Sam Baguma: ‘Where it all began’
Watch it here
FACT BOX
Aircraft | Cessna Grand Caravan EX with Wipline 8750 floats
Model | 208B
Registration Number | 5X-HNJ
A plane landing on the water?
Type | Fixed-wing, single-engine aircraft
Seating Capacity | 9 passengers
Horsepower | 867 HP
Maximum Take Off Weight | 9187 lbs
See how our amphibious plane works in PNG:
Watch it here
HOPE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION: HOW MAF BRINGS HEALING TO YOUNG LIVES IN CRISIS
Around the world, young lives hang in the balance every day due to medical emergencies, lack of access to hospitals, or the absence of specialist care in remote communities. MAF helps bridge that gap - flying patients, doctors and supplies to bring help, hope and healing.
NEEMA’S STORY SURVIVING A HYENA ATTACK IN RURAL TANZANIA
Three-year-old Neema from rural Tanzania suffered one of the most horrific injuries imaginable. Caught in a hyena attack while sheltering from rain in a hut, she lost an eye and much of her face. The attack shocked her small village and devastated her young mother Juliana, who had left Neema in the care of her grandmother while she fetched flour.
“When she returned, she was met with shouts of terror, and the hyena was chewing off her eye region,” Juliana said.
With injuries too complex for local
THE STORIES OF THREE YOUNG PATIENTSNEEMA, YELIKHA AND ANGELINESHOW HOW MAF IS HELPING BRING HEALING TO THE NEXT GENERATION.
treatment, reconstructive surgeon Dr Maher Anous was urgently needed. MAF pilot Mark Liprini flew Dr Maher from Arusha to Dodoma in just over an hour - saving days of difficult travel and enabling immediate care.
“Her case is one of the worst I’ve seen, it’s indiscriminate destruction,” Dr Maher said. “The danger is that she becomes a burden for her family. She has lost one eye and half her face.”
The first stage of surgery was successful, and Dr Maher is planning a second major operation that will last 12 to 15 hours, involving skin grafts and microsurgery. Though the road ahead is long, the flight with MAF has given Neema a chance not just to survive - but to begin healing.
Angeline being assisted by Pilot Rutger Bakker
YELIKHA’S STORY A DECADE WITHOUT A SMILE IN GUINEA
Thousands of kilometres away in Guinea, 15-yearold Yelikha endured a different kind of long-term suffering. A traffic accident at age five left her jaw locked shut, unable to open her mouth or eat normally. For ten years, her mother Aissatou searched for answers.
“We have really visited many hospitals,” Aissatou said. “The previous doctors had told us that we had to evacuate my daughter to Morocco or Tunisia… but where will we find this sum for this operation?”
When a specialist surgeon became available at a remote clinic, MAF made the journey possible, flying the family in just two hours. “I thank the MAF for their presence in Guinea, otherwise we would have had to go by road, and it would have exhausted us,” Aissatou said.
The operation was a success. “Today here is my daughter who manages to open her mouth, something she had stopped doing for a good ten years,” she said.
ANGELINE’S STORY
A LIFESAVING FLIGHT IN MADAGASCAR
And in Madagascar, 35-year-old Angeline - already a mother of two - nearly lost her life and the life of her unborn child to an ectopic pregnancy. Her remote village airstrip was unusable, but local people came together to clear it in time for MAF to land.
“She is the last of my three daughters. I knew she was not doing well, but I had no resources to help her,” said her mother, Vaha. “So thank you for bringing us here.”
These three stories - of Neema, Yelikha and Angeline - are united by one thing: MAF’s ability to reach the unreachable. By bringing medical help to where it’s needed most, MAF is investing in the health, dignity and future of the next generation.
As Stewart Ayling of MAF Tanzania said, “ It’s part of our role as MAF that we provide connections between people. If we all work together, we can all make a better outcome.”
Dr Maher Anous with Neema and her mother Juliana.
15 Year Old Yelikha and her mother, Aissatou before the surgery.
Yelikha (left) is smiling again, picture with her mother, Aissatou.
WING’S OVER WATER: FLYING TO SAVE TIMOR’S REEFS
On the tiny island of Atauro in Timor-Leste, local fishermen are working to protect their ocean home. By blending traditional wisdom with modern support, they’re finding new ways to care for the sea and keep their communities thriving.
Antonio Pereira has been fishing since he was 11 years old. He lives on Atauro Island in Timor Leste and, like many in his community, he relies on the ocean for an income to support his family. “The fish I catch are prepared for meals and some are sold to earn money to support my children’s education” he says.
However, in recent years there has been a decline in fish stocks. This is because the marine ecosystem has been harmed by overfishing and the use of tools which destroy the coral reefs which are home to the fish on which the community relies. Antonio explains: “Fishing is now very difficult because there are fewer fish compared to the past.”
Over half of the world’s coral reefs have been lost since 1950. These vital ecosystems not only provide food and income for coastal communities, they also protect coastlines and play a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
Timor-Leste is home to some of the most diverse coral reefs on earth and the local people are taking action to preserve them.
Communities are resurrecting a traditional Timorese land management concept known as Tara Bandu. This system aims to conserve natural resources and ensure their sustainable use for the future. With the assistance of the conservation organisation Blue Ventures, Antonio’s village has implemented the system to establish Marine Protected Areas.
Antonio says: “I went to Beloi, our neighbouring village located on the eastern part of Atauro Island, for two weeks, where we observed the
Dili
Savu Sea
results of fishing Tara Bandu, showing that the fish were very abundant.”
Blue Ventures assists the community to protect their marine species, particularly fish and coral reefs, whilst helping them find new ways to sustain their means of living. For Antonia Pereira this has meant shifting to seaweed harvesting.
MAF has been instrumental in supporting these conservation efforts. Flights from the capital Dili to Atauro Island enable Blue Ventures to reach remote areas, especially during the wet season when travel by boat is difficult. Blue Ventures’ Programme officer, Armindo Marques, explains “MAF planes truly help us a lot... we are grateful for their commitment to supporting us by providing flights during urgent times.”
MAF pilot Joe Farren shared his appreciation for the work of Blue Ventures with the people of Atauro Island.
“It’s awesome how we get to partner with NGOs here and enable them to have a greater impact in the areas where they operate. We’re able to help increase that impact by directly providing a means of transport for them, both for their staff and for any supplies they may need.”
MAF’s partnership with Blue Ventures enables local expertise and international support to come together to protect Timor-Leste’s marine treasures and ensure their sustainability for future generations.
Wherever you see this symbol, it indicates a flight where MAF responded to a problem caused by the climate crisis, or transported a partner who supports creation care, flights in response to creation care.
