DILI, 15 march 2024 (TATOLI) – The United National Development Programme (UNDP) Timor-Leste launched a distribution of clean energy solutions to rural communities in Three municipalities.
The initiative, titled “Promoting Green Transformation in the Pacific Region towards Net-Zero and Climate-resilient Development (Green Transformation Project)”, marks a significant step towards sustainable development, funded by the Government of Japan.
As one of the outputs of the project, UNDP will deliver solar panel kits and improved cooking stoves to 1000 rural households in Ainaro, Manatuto, and Manufahi municipalities. This endeavor is not just about energy; it’s about transforming lives.
With solar energy, families gain a versatile and reliable source of power, enabling children to study at home even after sunset. The improved cooking stoves will reduce the environmental and health impacts associated with firewood use, particularly benefiting women, who are often responsible for cooking and are vulnerable to respiratory problems.
“This project is a testament to our commitment to a greener, more resilient future for all,” UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative, Adeline Carrier said.
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders including Ambassador of Japan, KIMURA Tetsuya, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, the Minister of State Administration, and H.E. Mr. Samuel Marçal, the Minister of Public Works, which is the chair of the project along with the UNDP, highlighting the collaborative effort to advance climate action and sustainability.
Ambassador of Japan, KIMURA Tetsuya, emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “By using the new improved cooking stoves, we handover today, the amount of firewood used will be cut in half, reducing the burden on those responsible for collecting firewood. In addition, the smoke emitted during cooking will be greatly reduced, which will help prevent health hazards to family members caused by smoke.
“I hope that this project will support the transition towards net zero and climate-resilient pathways, as well as the people’s lives in Timor-Leste” Tomás do Rosário Cabral, the Minister of State Administration, and Samuel Marçal, the Minster of Public Works also voiced their support, thanking UNDP for its dedication to improving livelihoods.
The project, with total funding of 37.5 million USD by the Government of Japan, targets 4 Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Vanuatu, to advance climate action through innovation and help communities build resilience, and adapt to climate risks, by providing access to renewable energy to rural communities and the most vulnerable, especially women and children.
For Timor-Leste, the project has a funding of 5,78 million USD, with three main outputs: support solar energy access to 1000 rural households not connected to the national electricity grid, as well as improved cooking stoves that will reduce the use of firewood and the hazards it involves; solarization of SAMES and 2 selected health centers for improved health service; and support the solarization of 15 ICT rooms in selected schools to promote digital teaching and learning. The Installation process for the 1000 solar panel kits is expected to happen after the launching ceremony.
It is known that a new project from UNDP with the support of the government of Japan distributes clean energy resources to improve women and children in rural communities.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
