DILI, 13 August 2025 (TATOLI) – The Timor-Leste Geoscience Institute (IGTL, Portuguese acronym) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have initiated discussions to register Mount Lesululi – site of a significant ichthyosaur fossil discovery in Kailaku Administrative Post, Bobonaro Municipality – as a geological heritage site.
IGTL President, Job Brites dos Santos, confirmed that following a meeting between IGTL and UNESCO in Dili, the site is being considered for nomination as a UNESCO Global Geopark. The process involves several key steps, beginning with IGTL submitting an expression of interest to formally communicate Timor-Leste’s intention to nominate the site.
Subsequently, IGTL must submit a comprehensive application dossier to UNESCO, detailing critical information about the site. UNESCO will then conduct an evaluation to determine its eligibility.
“We are currently in the proposal preparation phase,” said Job Brites dos Santos to TATOLI.
“This includes essential groundwork such as publishing scientific articles in international journals, conducting community outreach and engagement with local authorities, and establishing basic infrastructure to protect the site.”
As part of its scientific outreach, IGTL has already published an article on the discovery of a 200-million-year-old ichthyosaurus fossil from the Triassic period. A second article focused on site protection is expected to follow shortly.
He emphasized that IGTL has allocated preliminary funding for the upcoming year to support protective fencing, security post installation, and the provision of electricity and clean water at Mount Lesululi –measures aimed at safeguarding the site from damage.
Additionally, a major initiative is planned for early next year: in collaboration with IGTL’s partners from Sweden and Norway, further excavations will be conducted, which are set to receive global media coverage in 2027.
According to Santos, the project will also involve local media outlets, UNESCO Dili, local authorities, the Timor-Leste Tourism Authority, and other stakeholders.
Journalist: Arminda Fonseca
Editor: Maria Auxiliadora Freitas
Translation: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
