DILI, 27 may 2022 (TATOLI)– The State Secretary for the Environment, Demétrio Amaral accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAP), Ilidio de Araujo, together with the community in Dare, planted trees to commemorate the International Day of Biological Diversity.
The tree they planted consisted of several species of small trees, including oranges, red hairy shells, and citrus fruits.
At the tree-planting ceremony, Secretary of State for the Environment Demétrio Amaral said, the purpose of planting the tree is to celebrate international biodiversity, in particular, to contribute to the sustainable development of the country, saying, therefore, SEA calls on everyone to get into the habit of planting trees.
“Everyone across the country should get into the habit of planting trees to protect biodiversity and life to be reconnected and in balance, cooperation and harmony with nature,” Amaral told reporters in the Fatunaba area of Dare village.
He explained that one tree produces one tonne of carbon, which will contribute to a fresh atmosphere to ensure a healthy life for the human being, but in Timor-Leste, the destruction to forests that have an impact on the environment has reached 1.7% every year, while forest destruction has reached 1.1% per annum in the last preview years.
“Therefore, this is the right time to be aware of the people in Timor-Leste, to growing more trees to protect our planet as we are currently facing biodiversity crises”
“SEA has planted more than 4,000 trees to reduce the negative impact on the atmosphere and support inundation resistance and community soil fragility,”
SEA also recruited more than 35 members of environmental protection, in the village of Fatunaba. Environmental protection members are responsible for providing awareness campaigns to the public about environmental protection.
“This member had contributed to cleaning up 700 tons of garbage in the coastal area of Dili after the flash flood on April 4, 2021,”
In the same place, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), Ilidio de Araujo said, it is important to protect flora and fauna in Timor-Leste.
MAF has already employed 50 forest guardians in 2021, planning to have more than 150 by 2022 depending on budget.
Heineken Country Manager, Pratasantha Manjuka said protecting the biodiversity of flora and fauna is everyone’s shared responsibility.
The Heineken company has also contributed to environmental protection by planting trees, cleaning the environment, and providing access to clean water for the community.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia Borges
