DILI, 28 may 2024 (TATOLI) – Mercy Corps marked the successful conclusion of the PREPARADU program.
This three-year initiative, funded by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), aimed to address the growing stream of plastic waste and its improper disposal that threaten not only the physical beauty of Timor-Leste but also increases urban flood risks, and threatens the health of communities.
The close coordination between the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Transportation and Communication, Secretary of State for Civil Protection, and Dili Municipality Authority in implementing the three-year program, the country is now adequately prepared.
As part of the program’s close-out event, the recycling and upcycling market showcased the products of local businesses. Thirteen enterprises engaged in product demonstrations, presenting their creations, and interacting directly with potential clients. This initiative aimed to provide exposure and support to local upcycling and recycling groups, addressing challenges such as limited exposure, lack of partners, technology, and sales space.
Designed in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and Dili Municipality Authority, the event emphasized the collective effort required to bolster local upcycling and recycling initiatives. Many of these groups often face challenges such as limited exposure, access to partners, technology, and space to sell their products. The collaborative effort aims to make it economically viable to collect, sort, and reprocess materials in Timor-Leste.
PREPARADU is an initiative funded program by Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is aimed to address the growing stream of plastic waste and its improper disposal that threaten not only the physical beauty of Timor-Leste, but increase urban flood risks, threaten the health of communities now engaged in improper disposal of waste, undermine the economic potential of the tourism industry, and contribute to climate change risks for which the country is not now adequately prepared through strengthen and reinforce Timor-Leste’s environmental resilience and response capacities to natural disasters and climate change for a more stable future
Key Achievements:
- Expansion of the first commercial-scale plastic recycler in Timor-Leste through the support of the PREPARADU
- Four demonstration projects showcasing the use of plastic recycling pavers supported and endorsed by the government.
- 300 recycling bins installed at +70 partner institutions.
- 200 students were empowered to become agents of change, promoting the reduction, reuse, and recycling of plastic waste.
- Established flood Early Warning System (EWS) in close collaboration with National Directorate for Meteorology and Geophysics.
- Completed 90 flood contingency plan for Dili Municipality.
- 15 suco in Dili engaged in DRR activities and established Suco Disaster Management Committee (SDMC)
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future. Since establishing operations in Timor-Leste in 2007, we have earned a reputation for innovative and high-quality programming. We support communities in Timor-Leste- and the most vulnerable within them to become more resilient and food-secure for a prosperous and inclusive future.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
