Balancing Conservation and Community: The Vision of Tun Mustapha Park

Established in 2016 after 13 years of planning, Tun Mustapha Park (TMP) is Malaysia’s largest marine protected area, covering 900,000 hectares—about the size of Yellowstone National Park. Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, TMP is home to over 250 species of hard corals, 430 fish species, endangered turtles, and dugongs. More than 85,000 coastal residents depend on these waters for food and income. However, overfishing and destructive fishing methods have threatened marine life.TMP uses a unique multiple-use zoning system, balancing conservation with sustainable fishing and tourism. Some areas are strictly no-take zones, while others allow community-based fishing and commercial operations. By including climate change data in its management plan, TMP is setting a global example for how marine parks can adapt to environmental challenges.