DÍLI, 21 July 2026 (TATOLI) – President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta recently met with the leadership of the “Ho Musan Ida” and “Rai Matak” foundations to discuss their highly successful community agroforestry programs.
During the meeting, co-directors Leopoldina Guterres and Sahe da Silva briefed the Head of State on the planting of 750,000 trees across five municipalities, utilizing a carbon farming model that pays local farmers to nurture saplings.
The initiative aims to heal Timorese lands left barren by historical deforestation and traditional slash-and-burn agricultural practices. By providing long-term financial incentives to rural communities, the programs are actively shifting local mentalities toward sustainable environmental stewardship and climate resilience.
Serving as the patron for these programs, President Ramos-Horta reaffirmed his unwavering support for community-driven rural development.
Backed by international partners and the Timorese government, the foundations are now seeking funding to expand their vital reforestation efforts into Bobonaro, Manufahi, and Aileu.
TATOLI
