DILI, 30 november 2023 (TATOLI) – In an innovative effort to spotlight environmental concerns, the European Union launched the BORDALO II Wall, a prominent art installation by the renowned Portuguese Bordalo II. The event took place on wednesday (29/11), at Jardim 5 de Maio, in Dili, at 17:00.
The European Union invited Bordalo II to Timor-Leste to address pressing environmental issues threatening our planet’s biodiversity and animal survival. The art of Bordalo II addresses urgent environmental issues, emphasizing the dangers of overconsumption and litter production. The centrepiece of this artistic wall is a long-necked turtle representing Timor-Leste’s Chelodina mccordi timorensis, made from Dili’s litter, and highlights the need to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste.
Supported by local communities, Bordalo II made other two art works that can be seen in Dili, amplifying the message of environmental consciousness, particularly addressing plastic pollution in Timor-Leste.
At the launching ceremony, Marc Fiedrich, the Ambassador of the European Union to Timor-Leste, expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm of the artist, saying: “We are grateful to Bordalo II for the initiative and interest in Timor-Leste that has allowed more work to be carried out, which will certainly be remembered for a long time. It will continue to remind the citizens of Dili and Timor-Leste that there is a need to continuously support the protection of the environment and take action to reduce the use of plastics.”
The President of Dili Municipality, Guilhermina Riberio said that: “This art work of turtle is an inspiration to us as we need to take care of ourselves better. So, I would like to thank the EU for its efforts to bring this work to Timor-Leste, especially Dili, as well as two other small art works in Metiaut and Dom Aleixo.”
The EU is committed to support initiatives related to environmental protection, sustainable development and circular economy in Timor-Leste. One example is the project ‘Hamenus Lixu Plastiku’ implemented by Mercy Corps that intends to limit the generation of plastic litter and contribute to a circular economy for plastic in Timor-Leste. Next year, the EU will conduct a few initiatives related with environmental awareness in schools, in partnership with Dili municipality.
Journalist: Camilo de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
