DILI, 26 June 2025 (TATOLI) – Conservation International Timor-Leste (CI-TL) has announced plans to establish two marine protected areas, one in Lautém and another in Liquiçá, with the long-term goal of developing sustainable marine parks.
Speaking on the sidelines of a national seminar held at Hotel Novo Turismo in Dili, CI-TL Executive Director Manuel Mendes said the initiative is being carried out in partnership with the State Secretariat for Fisheries and local authorities in both municipalities.
“We are planning to create conservation zones in areas where dugongs inhabit in Lautém and where whales are frequently sighted in Liquiçá,” said Mendes.
He added that a research team is currently conducting studies in the proposed areas, with hopes to officially launch the project by 2027.
The project is being supported by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, a U.S.-based foundation operating in Indonesia, which has pledged approximately USD 1.5 million to support the establishment of the marine parks.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of State for Fisheries, Domingos dos Santos, expressed strong support for the initiative, stating that it aligns with the government’s broader vision for developing the blue economy in Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Jesuína Xavier
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Camilio de Sousa
