The Secretary of State for Forestry (SEF), together with the President of the Dili Municipal Authority (PAM), planted a total of 1,500 bamboo seedlings provided by the Bamboo Institute I.P. Eco-Green Bamboo, in areas at risk of land erosion in the capital Dili.
SEF Secretary Fernandino Vieira da Costa said the tree-planting campaign focuses mainly on bamboo species and other plants that are adapted to local conditions and once planted can respond to the threats of deforestation and erosion, and to strengthen environmental sustainability.
“In 2022, the forestry sector had a tree-planting program on the hills surrounding the capital, Dili, from Tasi-Tolu to Cristo Rei. However, those seedlings were damaged by animals and by people who burned land, causing some plants to die. Only a few to survived,” said Secretary of State for Forestry Fernandino in Matadouro, Dili.
He explained that the bamboo-planting activity can conserve and protect the land so that when it rains, the soil does not erode. This activity serves as an example for communities and young people across Timor-Leste to follow in carrying out reforestation on critical hillsides.
“I call on all communities throughout Timor-Leste, during this rainy season, to approach the Directorate-General of Forestry to request seedlings to plant in their yards and on critical hillsides prone to erosion. Combating climate change and protecting the land is not only the responsibility of the government, but the responsibility of all Timorese,” he said.
He informed that the government has a program to produce tens of thousands of seedlings each year, but this year only 2,000 seedlings were produced due to financial constraints.
“We face financial limitations, therefore this year we only produced 2,000 seedlings. Those who want seedlings to plant are encouraged to approach the nurseries We have four permanent nurseries, the Maubara Permanent Nursery in Liquiçá, Pato Permanent Nursery in Lautém, Ratahu Permanent Nursery in Viqueque, and Betanu Permanent Nursery in Manufahi,” he said.
Meanwhile, the President of the Dili Municipal Authority, Francisco dos Santos, said the program is an initiative of PAM Dili in partnership with Bamboo I.P., with support from the Secretary of State for Forestry.
PAM dos Santos said the bamboo-planting program is part of efforts to prevent natural disasters in the capital, Dili.
“Plants such as bamboo are a natural solution to absorb water, strengthen riverbanks, reinforce the soil, and prevent landslides and flooding in the capital,” he said.He also appealed to the community to actively participate in planting and caring for the plants, as the benefits will be significant for both the present and future generations.
