DILI, 12 january 2026 (TATOLI) — The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry has launched the 2026 tree distribution and reforestation program in Wenunuc village, Metinaro Administrative Post, Dili municipality.
The program was officially launched on monday, january 12 and led by the Secretary of State for Forestry, Fernandino Vieira da Costa.
Costa said the initiative aims to promote reforestation and agroforestry, strengthen sustainable practices, and protect and conserve natural resources, particularly in Metinaro.
He said that Metinaro faces high levels of environmental degradation, making continued tree planting essential to restore soil functions and support sustainable development in the area.
A total of 4,444 trees were planted, mainly species chosen to stabilize the soil and restore degraded land.
The program also includes the distribution of forest, fruit, and commercial plants to local communities for cultivation on their own land.
The initiative is expected to boost production, support potential sales, and increase household income.
Local communities will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining the reforested areas, including replacing plants that do not survive.
The Directorate-General of Forestry will provide technical support and additional plants when needed.
Vieira da Costa called on communities nationwide to actively participate by accessing permanent and community nurseries in their municipalities.
He said the distribution of the plants will be monitored by technical staff from the ministry, the Secretariat of State for Forestry, and the Directorate-General of Forestry.
The ministry currently operates four permanent nurseries in Liquiçá, Lautém, Viqueque, and Manufahi.
It also manages nine community nurseries in Aileu, Ainaro, Ataúro, Baucau, Bobonaro, Covalima, Dili, Ermera, and Manatuto.
In 2025, the ministry produced 221,000 plants, exceeding the initial target of 200,000.
These plants covered 35 species, including production, conservation, fruit, and urban varieties.
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