DILI, 13 January 2023 (TATOLI)—Timor-Leste planting 200 sandalwood trees to commemorate the 6th National Sandalwood and Forest Day.
The 200 trees were planted around the Metinaro Heroes’ Court of Justice (TMP) as a form of respect for the heroes.
Speaking at the commemoration ceremony, the Director General of Forestry, Coffee and Industrial Plants, Raimundo Mau said that Timor-Leste is currently facing a scarcity of sandalwood, so joint support is needed to increase the tree which is one of Timor’s assets that must be preserved.
“Our celebration today is to represent all the efforts we have made in all municipalities until today. And in this TMP we will plant 200 sandalwood trees so that in 30 to 40 years from now our generation will enjoy the results,” said Raimundo Mau in his speech at TMP Metinaro, this Friday.
According to Mau, an individual planting one tree will be a guarantee for the future adding that it will be able to be used for various industries in the country.
The Chairperson of the Dili Municipal Authority (PAM), Guilhermina Filomena Saldanha Ribeiro thanked the Government for choosing Metinaro District as the place to celebrate the 6th National Sandalwood and Forest Day.
“I am very grateful to all who joining us together to protect the plants we have planted, this is a shared responsibility,” She said.
Member of the ESHANA Group (Estudante Hadomi Natureza) from the National University of Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL), Jonito Lopes Oliveira reminded everyone of the obligation to protect the environment saying this responsibility not only for young people but all entities must play an active role.
“We are from ESHANA totaling 50 people and we are also planting sandalwood trees, my message is not only for young people but for everyone because looking at the environment requires all of our attention because climate change is currently threatening the world,” said ESHANA members.
The 6th National Sandalwood and Forest Day were attended by various entities ranging from the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta; Minister for Combatants Affairs and National Liberation (MKLN), Júlio Sarmento da Costa alias Meta Malik, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Abílio Xavier de Araújo.
In addition, there were also representatives from fellow diplomats from various embassies, students and students from various universities, the UNE-TL group (União Nacional dos Escuteiros de Timor-Leste), and related ministries.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia Borges
