DILI, 10 january 2023 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Fisheries (MALFF), will plant more than 500 sandalwood seedlings in the Aiteas village, in the Municipality of Manatuto, to celebrate National Sandalwood Day.
The celebration of National Sandalwood Day with the theme “Planting Tress for A Better Future” aims to promote Timor-Leste’s native plant ‘Sandalwood’ and protect the species from becoming endangered.
MALFF National Director of Forest Management, Adalfredo do Rosário Ferreira said the representatives from the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of South Korea, members of the government and other entities will also take part in the celebration on 13 january.
Every year the government of Timor-Leste commemorates the national day with the replantation program.
“We’re going to plant between 200 and 500 sandalwood trees to celebrate National Sandalwood Day in Manatuto,” Ferreira told TATOLI.
The Celebration of the National Sandalwood Day is co-funded by AFoCO and SoSF, totaling US$12,000.
Last year, the Government of Timor-Leste, through the agriculture ministry produced around 600,000 sandalwood seedlings to be distributed and planted by families, communities, institutions, and relevant entities.
“However, sandalwood seedling production is expected to decline this year due to the limited budget for SoSF. We will probably only produce between 250,000 to 400,000 sandalwood seedlings this year,” Ferreira said.
To protect this species from becoming endangered, sandalwood commercialization has been halted for over a decade to increase the population of sandalwood trees in the country. As a result, the commercialization of sandalwood by farmers is illegal.
Sandalwood trees have played a pivotal role in shaping the course of Timor-Leste’s history, drawing traders, colonizers, and revolutionaries to its shores.
Sandalwood has adapted to Timor-Leste’s country’s tropical climate, with its distinct wet and dry seasons
The sandalwood tree holds a unique place in its native ecosystems, contributing to the biodiversity and balance of its surroundings. One of its most distinct characteristics is its hemiparasitic nature, where it relies on other plants for nutrients while still performing photosynthesis. This interaction, while parasitic, does not typically harm the host plant significantly, showcasing a delicate balance in the ecosystem.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
