DILI, 16 february 2026 (TATOLI) – It was a proud moment for Timor-Leste’s environmental activist, Ego Lemos Garand who was bestowed with a special award for his dedication to preserving the environment and strengthening food security in Timor-Leste.
In a ceremony underscoring the vital link between environmental stewardship and national development, President and Nobel Peace Laureate, Jose Ramos-Horta, co-host the prestigious French decoration of “Officier dans l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole” (Officer of the Order of Agricultural Merit) upon Goodwill Ambassador and Special Envoy for Culture, Environment and Water Resources, Eugenio “Ego” Lemos.
The ceremony held at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace.
The Ambassador of the French Republic to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and ASEAN, Fabien Penone, officially bestowed the Order of Agricultural Merit to Ego Lemos, under the decree of the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, by order dated July 31, 2025.
Established in 1883, the Order of Agricultural Merit recognizes individuals who have rendered outstanding services to agriculture.
Agricultural Merit is bestowed upon both French citizens and foreign nationals whose work has had a profoundly positive impact on the sector.
“The honor recognizes Ego Lemos’s dedication to preserving the environment and strengthening food security in Timor-Leste,” said in a statement.
The award also recognizes his contribution to passing on knowledge to the younger generations, both in Timor-Leste and internationally, notably through the innovative Permaculture kit developed by his organization, Permatil. These educational resources have been downloaded in 162 different countries, spreading Timorese innovation globally.
The French Embassy in Timor-Leste, through the French Office for Cooperation based in Dili, has maintained a collaborative partnership with Ego Lemos on permaculture initiatives for several years.
The French Agency for Development (AFD) is currently involved in supporting water infrastructure restoration projects in collaboration with Permatil. This partnership was most recently exemplified at the Perma Youth Camp, held from October 20th to 25th, 2025. This Perma Youth Camp benefitted from a $100,000.00 grant from President Ramos-Horta charity and educational fund.
Ramos-Harta praised Ego Lemos said: “Ego Lemos has dedicated his life to nurturing both the land and the people of Timor-Leste.”
“By empowering our youth with the tools of permaculture, he is not just teaching them to grow food; he is cultivating a future of resilience, sovereignty, and hope. This international recognition from France is a proud moment for all of Timor-Leste, affirming that our small nation can lead the world in sustainable practices,” said the Ramos-Horta.
The Order of Agricultural Merit is a distinguished order bestowed by the French Republic for outstanding contributions to agriculture. The ceremony highlighted Timor-Leste’s growing role as a contributor to global conversations on sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
