DILI, 27 january 2022 (TATOLI)—European Union (EU)- Oxfam together with partners are expanding the Rai Matak project in four municipalities.
EU Ambassador to Timor-Leste (TL), Andrew Jacobs said The expansion of this project was based on the EU’s observations on the previous project “MUSAN IDA” which had shown a lot of progress, saying, therefore, the EU decided to expand the RAI MATAK Project to other municipalities include Covalima (Tilomar), Viquque (Uatucarbau, Uatulari and now Viqueque Villa), Lautem (Lautem and Lospalos) and Baucau (Quelicai and Laga).
Mr. Jacob explained that the ‘MUSAN IDA’ program is a previous program that has been implemented in Baguia, Baucau municipality since 2010, through a collaboration between the EU, OXFAM, and the Musan Ida foundation.
The ‘MUSAN IDA’ project has a positive impact on local farmers by improving the lives of local farmers and even local communities.
“Thus the EU Embassy in TL has again initiated a project called ‘Rai Matak’ with funds (EUR 2.7 million or USD 3.1 million), the project has been started since 2020 between the Musan Ida Foundation and Oxfam TL, “
Mr. Jacob at the same time appreciates Oxfam’s support for making project expansions in four municipalities to re-implement the benefits of the ‘Ho Musan Ida’ program in various zones in TL.
“This program, with its unique focus on smallholders, will not only contribute positively to the fight against climate change but also have an impact on the local community economy, income generated from selling carbon credits.”
The Director of Public Relations of the Rai Matak Project, Leopoldina Joana Guterres, thanked the EU Embassy and Oxfam for continuing to assist and managing the Rai Matak project effectively, saying it would benefit Argo-forestry, Economic Education, Economic Participation, Building Relationships Both between farmers and local, national and international governments.
“The advantage of this program is that helping farmers plant one-year-old trees in the ground, for each tree they will get paid $0.50 per year from Gold Standard International,” he said.
The biggest advantage of this program is Carbon Farming, so this program will sell dirty air or Carbon Credits to international organizations so that the results will be given to farmers.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B
