DILI, 28 february 2023 (TATOLI) Conservation of Flora and Fauna (KFF) has been working on mangroves conservation and restoration in the two municipalities, namely Dili and Liquica.
“We improve and restore mangrove ecosystems in these two municipalities to increase mangrove habitats. Because mangroves provide areas for breeding, nesting, foraging and shelter for both resident and traveling organisms under saltwater and freshwater,” KFF Director Alito Rosa told TATOLI, in Dili.
He said that in addition to providing the best place for living organisms underwater, mangroves also help stabilize the coastal ecosystem, prevent erosion, and protect communities from high tides and storms.
“Mangroves can store large amounts of carbon over long periods, and their protection reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports climate change mitigation,” Rosa emphasized.
Therefore, he said Timor-Leste needs to restore and conserve the mangrove ecosystem throughout the country.
“We conserved and restored 16 hectares of mangroves in Liquica, covering three areas – Liquica city area, ulmera, and Tibar. Meanwhile, in Dili, we conserved and restored more than 54 hectares covering two areas, including Hera and Metinaro. There are still many damaged mangrove areas that need to be restored,” Rosa explained.
He said that KFF always carries out its maintenance activities to ensure that mangrove seedlings grow well, saying that abandoned animals in communities are the biggest threat to the stabilization of mangrove habitats.
Rosa called on communities not to abandon their animals to prevent the destruction of mangrove habitats from happening.
KFF produces between 30,000 and 40,000 mangrove seedlings for the conservation and restoration of the mangrove population in Timor-Leste.
KFF plans to expand its conservation and restoration program to other municipalities, such as Manatuto and Lautem, where the destruction of mangrove habitats continues to increase.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
