DILI, 02 May 2026 (TATOLI) – The government will mark National Ocean Day with a weeklong programme of activities from June 3 to 8 aimed at strengthening marine conservation efforts and raising environmental awareness across the country.
The initiative, known as Ocean Week, is coordinated by Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Tourism and Environment Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, who underscored the importance of protecting marine resources for Timor-Leste’s sustainable development.
“The ocean is a national heritage, a source of livelihood for coastal communities, and a fundamental pillar of the country’s sustainable future,” Kalbuadi Lay said at a press conference at the Dili Convention Centre on Tuesday.
He said this year’s theme, “Promote and protect the ocean through tara bandu for a sustainable future,” continues government-led celebrations launched in 2023. Tara bandu is a traditional Timorese customary system used to regulate social, environmental, and cultural practices.
According to the minister, the programme includes environmental awareness campaigns, youth-focused educational activities, coastal clean-up drives, and initiatives promoting the blue economy.
Director-General of the Maritime Boundary Office, Helena de Araújo, said June 5 has been officially designated National Ocean Day and emphasized the importance of public participation in ocean conservation efforts.
“The ocean belongs to all Timorese and represents our future. It is therefore important that all segments of society take part in these activities,” she said.
Government plans show that Ocean Week activities will be held across multiple municipalities, combining environmental, cultural, educational, and blue economy promotion events.
In Dili, the programme begins on June 3 with the opening of an ocean-themed art gallery. On June 5, the main national celebration, activities will include coastal clean-ups, an ocean parade, a marine fair featuring local products and cuisine with around 60 exhibitors, the launch of a Blue Economy Portal, a tara bandu ceremony dedicated to ocean protection, and an environmental oath by students.
In Ataúro, activities include the inauguration of water supply systems, eco-school gardens, a “green suco” initiative, local product exhibitions, as well as rowing competitions, fishing contests, traditional cooking competitions, cultural maritime performances, and musical entertainment.
In Lautém, the programme features a caravan campaign, marine conservation painting competitions, friendly sports matches, exhibitions, and coastal clean-up activities.
On June 6, Dili will host sandcastle competitions, a symbolic sea turtle release, and the continuation of the ocean fair. Ataúro will continue exhibitions and preparations for closing activities, while Lautém will maintain clean-up operations and cultural dance competitions. Other municipalities will also continue local environmental initiatives.
On June 7, Dili will hold a thanksgiving mass alongside the ocean and maritime tourism fairs. Ataúro will also host a thanksgiving service, while Lautém will stage an oratory competition in addition to religious observances. Other regions will continue community-based activities and clean-up campaigns.
The week will conclude on June 8 with continued clean-up operations in Dili, including underwater clean-ups. Ataúro will host final sporting competitions, fairs, rowing and fishing events, traditional cooking contests, and an award ceremony. Lautém will also mark the World Oceans Day with a thematic parade and additional competitions.o
The programme involves multiple government entities, including the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Secretariat of State for Social Communication, Maritime Boundary Office, the National Police of Timor-Leste, and other relevant institutions.
TATOLI
