DILI, 06 june 2024 (TATOLI) – Timor-Lorosa’e Marine and Fisheries Association (TL-MFA), on wednesday (05/06), organized a national seminar to celebrate World Ocean Day 2024 with the theme: “Initiative action towards Ocean Conservation and Development in Timor-Leste.”
World Oceans Day is celebrated every year on 8 june. This year’s celebration is under the theme: “Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean and Climate.”
Speaking at the seminar, the president of TL-MFA, José Lucas do Carmo da Silva, emphasized the need for the entire population to be sensitized to protecting the country’s ecosystems and biodiversity.
“According to the association’s mission and vision, it is important to preserve our marine resources to ensure a sustainable economy,” said Carmo at the Fundação Oriente hall, in Dili.
He said that TL-MFA will work in partnership with the government and various local and international organizations to promote the protection of the country’s ecosystems and biodiversity.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management, Celestino Barreto, said that Timor-Leste has great potential of marine resources for Southeast Asia, adding that the preservation and conservation of marine resources is crucial for the development of the country’s blue economy.
Barreto said that the government will cooperate with various partners, including APM-TL, to protect and preserve the country’s ocean and coastal zones.
Oceans Day was first declared as 8 June, 1992 in Rio de Janeiro at the Global Forum, a parallel event at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) which provided an opportunity for non-government organizations (NGOs) and civil society to express their views on environmental issues.
Journalist: Felicidade Ximenes
Editor: Zezito Silva
Translation: Camilio de Sousa
