Dili, August 27, 2026 (Media Democracia) – The Government of Timor-Leste through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MAPPF) reaffirms its commitment to strengthen forest protection and conservation, including through a plan to plant up to one million tree seedlings in the coming years, as part of the national strategy and cooperation with ASEAN.
The Secretary of State for Livestock, José Vieira de Araújo, said that the conservation and tree seedling cultivation program will be implemented through integrated work between the Government, communities, local authorities, international agencies, national agencies and the private sector.
He said that this work must be linked to the Government’s strategic plan and Timor-Leste’s commitments within ASEAN, so that activities in forest areas can benefit communities and future generations.
“For the cultivation and care of tree seedlings, we need to monitor and look at the situation on the ground. Community awareness also needs to increase because the technicians and the Government alone cannot do all the work. One Government, one State, we must coordinate with each other so that the implementation of tree planting can go well.” said José Vieira de Araújo at Palm Springs, Quinta, Dili, on Thursday (27/08).
He emphasized that communities have an important role in preventing burning and land destruction, as well as in caring for vegetation and forests, because the environment is important for everyone’s lives and for future generations.
The Secretary of State also informed that preparations for 20,000 tree seedlings are already underway, as part of the Government’s intervention on the ground together with communities and local authorities, including village chiefs, suco chiefs and municipal structures.
He said that the work mechanism will also involve the relevant units, especially forest guards and technicians, to ensure that environmental protection is not the responsibility of one person or one group only, but a shared responsibility.
“Environmental care is not just the responsibility of one or two people, but the responsibility of all of us. When technicians work according to the rules and forest guards watch over the field, we can continue to protect the forest and the environment.” he said.
José Vieira de Araújo also spoke about the need to strengthen coordination between Government units, especially in control and monitoring at animal transit posts, so that the movement of animals coming in and out can be monitored according to existing procedures and rules.
He said that guards and technicians face many challenges in the field, but these obstacles must not reduce the will of the Government and technicians to continue carrying out their work.
“The Government and the State are one. We must work together, including guards and units at animal transit posts, in order to carry out integrated work with forest units.” he declared.
In addition to activities in the field, the MAPPF Ministry is also continuing to conduct socialization with communities about the importance of protecting vegetation and the environment. This socialization is considered important to increase awareness and community participation in forest care.
Secretary of State José Vieira de Araújo said that the socialization will continue until 2030, with the involvement of technicians, local authorities and communities.
“Even with financial or resource limitations, we must continue to work together. We will ask technicians to continue going to the field and work together with local authorities and communities.” he said.
The Government hopes that through coordination and joint participation between relevant institutions and communities, the tree seedling cultivation and forest protection program can contribute to environmental preservation, prevent land destruction and ensure a good environment for future generations in Timor-Leste.
Reporting By: Trainee Fizania
Photo: Trainee Fizania