The Country Director of Conservation International Timor-Leste, Manuel Mendez, said that the lagoon conservation project in four municipalities, Covalima, Ainaro, Manufahi and Manatuto, is part of a global effort to respond to the biodiversity crisis and climate change.
“The community is at the centre of conservation. They live alongside nature and use these resources every day. Therefore, this project will strengthen community participation at the village level by establishing conservation groups at each lagoon,” said CD Mendez at the Suai Room, at Timor Plaza, in Dili.
He emphasised that Timor-Leste has an important responsibility because its natural ecosystems have not yet suffered as much damage as those of other countries.
He added that, according to the plan, the conservation groups will have the role of monitoring the condition of the lagoons, preventing environmental destruction, and promoting sustainable resource-use practices. This includes educating communities about the importance of biodiversity and how they can protect natural resources for future generations.
He further stated that the project will also contribute strengthening coexistence between people and wild animals, which at times can become a source of conflict because of competition for water and land.
“With good management, it is hoped that these conflicts can be minimised and that the ecosystem can function normally,” he explained.
The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MAPPF), Marcos da Cruz, said that the Government continues to strengthen its commitment to ensuring the sustainable management of lagoons throughout the national territory to protect aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
“When there is no proper control and planning, we can face environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and increased conflict between people and animals that depend on the lagoons as their habitat,” he said.
Minister da Cruz said that lagoons are not only a source of water for the daily needs of communities, but also complete ecological systems that support high levels of biodiversity by providing natural habitats for wild animals, fish, natural vegetation, and other species that depend on water and lagoon ecosystems.
He added that there are clear management plans for each lagoon in the four municipalities to protect biodiversity and strengthen coexistence between people and animals.He stated that, at the implementation level, the Government recognises that the lagoons in Covalima, Ainaro, Manufahi and Manatuto have very high biodiversity potential, but are also vulnerable if there is no proper monitoring and management. Therefore, the national strategy focuses on integration between the central government, local authorities, and local communities.
