DILI, 04 august 2021 (TATOLI) – The Conservation of Flora and Fauna (KFF) is committed to protect and conserve the marine ecosystem to preserve Timor-Leste’s coral reefs, seaweeds, and mangroves.
KFF’s Coordinator, Alito Rosa informed that raising awareness amongst the youths and communities was important to protect and preserve Timor-Leste’s pure and natural marine ecosystem.
“In order to better conserve and preserve our pristine coral reefs, seaweeds, and mangroves, we established a Mangrove Study Center under the KFF. This center is to provide capacity building and training for our young people who are interested in studying the conservation of the mangrove ecosystem. One day, our young generation would know how to conserve our marine ecosystem,” Rosa told TATOLI, in Hera, Dili, on Wednesday.
He said so far many universities students have visited and carried out research in the area of the Mangrove Study Center.
“We have students from Cristal Institute (ICR), Lorosa’e National University (UNTL), East Timor Coffee Institute (ETCI), and Timorese students overseas. In addition, we also have students from overseas, including Australia.”Rosa said.
Rosa added that in 2021, KFF had prepared up to 30.000 mangrove seedlings to be planted along the coastal area of Hera, Dili as part of the reforestation.
“We will grow the new ones when these 30.000 seedlings are planted. It is part of the reforestation program.”He said
He said more than 10 species of birds were identified in the area of the Mangrove Study Center, saying there are also migratory seabirds, which are flying 5.000 miles non-stop from the North Pole, and also some are migrated from Australia.
Apart from preserving the mangrove ecosystem, KFF also committed to developing the site into ecotourism, which would attract many tourists to visit the site.
Rosa added significant progress had been made due to the financial support given by United Nations Development Program (UNDP), totaling US$ 40.000.
Previously, after visiting the site, the President of the Republic, Francisco Guterres ‘LuOlo’ encouraged the team who established both KFF and Mangrove Study Center to keep up their commitment and good work.
“This is such an attractive place, and I believe that when the Covid-19 is over, many tourists would visit this place,” LuOlo complemented.
Rosa said since KFF developed the site into ecotourism, it collects up to US$ 700 per week, as every visitor has to contribute US$ 1.00 to enter the area of the Mangrove Study Center.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
