DILI, 17 October 2025 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MAPPF), and Gardens by the Bay (GBB) of Singapore, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday to enhance cooperation in environmental protection.
The agreement establishes the foundation for long-term collaboration in biodiversity conservation, technical training, and the development of botanical gardens in Timor-Leste.
The MOU was signed by Gardens by the Bay Chief Operations Officer Ong Kian Ann and the Director-General of Forestry, Hermenegildo de Almeida Granadeiro. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito Freitas, and the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Dili, Marcos da Cruz emphasized that the agreement represents more than a simple technical understanding; it symbolizes a shared vision between Timor-Leste and Singapore to protect nature, enhance biodiversity, and promote sustainable development for the benefit of the people and the planet.
He explained that the agreement provides a framework for cooperation that includes identifying and conserving native and culturally significant plant species, technical training, knowledge exchange, and the planning and creation of botanical gardens in Timor-Leste with technical support from GBB.
“These initiatives will strengthen national environmental conservation capacity and foster a culture of pride in our natural heritage,” Cruz said.
Marcos da Cruz noted that this partnership comes at a significant moment for the country as it prepares to formally join Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on 26 October. “This collaboration reflects the spirit of regional solidarity and our commitment to contributing to ASEAN’s environmental and sustainability agenda,” he added.
Ong Kian Ann expressed his appreciation for the Timorese government’s hospitality and emphasized that the relationship between the two institutions “has ancient roots,” recalling that then-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Hernâni Coelho planted a tree at the Singapore gardens in 2016, marking the beginning of cooperation between the two sides.
“Today we take a new step in this relationship. We intend to cooperate in areas such as plant exchange, training of horticultural teams, and cultural exchange. We also hope to support Timor-Leste in the planning and management of botanical gardens, sharing our expertise in conservation and landscape design,” he stated.
Ong explained that GBB, which houses more than 1.5 million plants of 5,000 different species, continuously seeks to strengthen its global collection and promote conservation through science, innovation, and environmental education.
He also highlighted Timor-Leste’s leadership in mangrove conservation and the potential for cooperation in this area. “We can learn a lot from the country, which has made remarkable progress in restoring coastal ecosystems and mobilizing local communities,” Ong said.
As part of the agreement, GBB committed to providing seeds and seedlings to support national reforestation efforts, reinforcing both the practical and symbolic value of the partnership.
“This cooperation represents what we call garden diplomacy—the promotion of friendship between nations through the sharing of plants, knowledge, and culture. We hope to soon see Timorese species on display in Singapore as a living symbol of the friendship between our peoples,” Ong concluded.
Among those attending the ceremony were the Secretary of State for Forestry, Fernandino Vieira, directors from MAPPF, and a delegation from GBB.
GBB, which opened in 2012, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned botanical parks. Located near Marina Bay, it reflects Singapore’s vision as a “City in Nature” by combining science, innovation, and sustainability. Covering more than 100 hectares, it is home to over 1.5 million plants from around the globe and is internationally recognized for its garden artistry.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
