The Secretariat of State for Forestry (SEF) considers agroforestry a key strategy to respond to the challenges of climate change and promote green economic development in Timor-Leste.
Secretary of State for SEF Fernandino Vieira said that Timor-Leste depends heavily on the agriculture and forestry sectors and directly faces the impacts of climate change, such as changing rainfall patterns, prolonged drought and land degradation, which affect productivity and the livelihoods of the community.
“Agroforestry is not only an agricultural technique, but a management system that integrates trees, farms and natural resources to generate economic, ecological and social benefits,” SEF Fernandino said at a national working group workshop on agroforestry for climate resilience and sustainable development, held at City8, Manleuana, Dili.
He said that the system helps absorb carbon, reduce erosion and improve soil conditions, thereby increasing the community’s resilience to climate change.
“Agroforestry can diversify the community’s income through products such as fruit, coffee, cocoa and other forest products, reducing dependence on a single source,” he said.
He added that the development of agroforestry is important to protect biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of ecosystems in the country. Therefore, collaboration is needed between the government, scientific institutions, the private sector and the local community to properly implement agroforestry systems.
On the other hand, President of the Liquiçá Municipal Authority Paulino Ribeiro said that he will collaborate with the community to ensure that plants, animals and agroforestry systems are not damaged.
“I will collaborate with local authorities in Liquiçá Municipality so that they can work with the community and with the different levels in the municipality to protect our land,” he said.
He said that these efforts require good collaboration from all parties to protect and sustain natural resources.He added that an action plan is needed to guide the future development of agroforestry, support climate adaptation and strengthen the green economy in Timor-Leste.
