The Forestry Directorate of Maliana, Bobonaro, does not have sufficient human resources.
Member of Parliament Josefa Alvares Soares called on the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to add more patrol members to prevent people chopping down trees without permission.
She said forestry patrol members were important to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and planting trees.
Suai, Aileu and Maubisse also do not have forestry patrols.
She requested the matter be included in parliamentary debates for the 2015 budget.
Agriculture Minister Mariano Asanami Sabino said they had tried to beef up patrols this year but were operating with a limited budget.
“There’s no money for the wages so the Agriculture Ministry can’t do more recruitment,” he said.
He said the ministry would include the issue in budgetary discussions.
