DILI, 08 june 2022 (TATOLI) – The Lorosa’e National University (UNTL) organized a National Workshop to celebrate World Ocean Day entitled: “Collective Action to Develop Blue Economy for Timor-Leste.”
This year’s United Nations World Oceans Day, 8 june 2022, highlighted the theme “Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean”
In his opening remark, the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta appreciated UNTL for organizing such an event to raise the awareness of public about the importance of protecting marine life.
Horta called on communities and companies to stop throwing rubbish into the river, saying the rubish would end up in the sea, which could damage marine life such as coral reefs and endemic animals.
“I call on the communities who live by the river bank and the companies to stop polluting our sea by simply stop throwing the rubbish into the river,” Horta made the call at the workshop, at UNTL Campus, in Hera, Dili, on wednesday.
At the same place, the Rector of UNTL João Martins said the workshop was important to share knowledge with the students on the fisheries and marine life.
“This workshop will help enrich and improve the knowledge of our students, especially the student from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Science. So that, once they finish their undergraduate studies at UNTL, at least they could contribute to the sustainable management of the coastal and marine resources,” Martins said.
In addition, the Vice Coordinator of the Organizing Committee of the Workshop, Mário M. Cabral said the workshop was part of Timor-Leste’s contribution to the international commitment to conserving at least 30% of land and oceans by 2030.
“It’s part of our contribution to a pledge known as 30×30, to help curb climate change and the loss of plant and animal species,” he emphasized.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
