Prime Minister Launches World Oceans Week 2025 with Appeal to National Action for Marine Sustainability
The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, officially launched World Oceans Week 2025 on June 1st, in Tasi Tolu, with a ceremony that involved beach and seabed clean-ups, and a sandcastle competition with the participation of several schools in the capital. During the event, the Head of Government warned of the urgency of caring for the ocean as a fundamental part of national identity and the survival of future generations.
“We must raise awareness so that we take care of our sea and our mountains,” said the Prime Minister. “If we don't take care of our sea, our grandchildren will live with big problems.” Referring to the extreme phenomena seen in other parts of the world, such as floods and fires, the Head of Government stressed that these catastrophes are the result of climate change caused by human action, and reiterated that Timor's sea, rich in biodiversity, must be protected responsibly.
With the global theme “Wonder - Preserving what sustains us”, the 2025 edition of World Oceans Week runs until June 8th in Dili and in various municipalities across the country. The program is designed to involve students, local communities, authorities, the private sector and development partners, with the promotion of concrete actions to raise awareness, protect the environment and celebrate Timorese maritime identity.
Today, June 2nd, the Prime Minister will travel to Aileu, a municipality without coastal areas, to reinforce the message that the water cycle and marine pollution also originate in the mountains. "The plastic and cans that the river carries to the sea come from the mountains. During this week, we want to educate each other, educate students, young people and everyone else not to litter arbitrarily," said Xanana Gusmão.
Throughout the week, the following activities stand out: on June 3rd, the Prime Minister inaugurates the Open Air Art Gallery and the Ocean Mural in front of the Government Palace; in several municipalities and schools, the Ocean Art Project, led by the Ministry of Education, promotes artistic and educational works on ocean protection; and in the municipalities of Ainaro, Baucau, Lauten, Manufahi, the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno (RAEOA) and Ataúro, there are boat caravans, traditional dances and cultural presentations in honor of maritime heritage.
On June 5th, Ataúro Island will host the highlight of the celebration with multiple initiatives, including the presentation of new fish species discovered in Berau Bay, the proclamation of “Tara Bandu” in the hamlet of Makili and Biqueli for sustainable fisheries management, the restoration of mangrove ecosystems in Uaro-Ana, and the launch of programs such as the Green School, the Green Village, environmental brigades in Beloi and desalination systems in Akrema and Fatu'u.
The government stresses that these actions reflect Ataúro Island's commitment to establishing itself as a model for marine conservation and sustainable tourism in Timor-Leste.
The Week will also include, on June 7th, an Ocean Parade in Dili, promoted by the Government, and in the evening the “Tasi Fest” event, organized by the private sector, which will celebrate Timor-Leste's connection to the sea through music, arts and the promotion of the blue economy.
The week culminates with the Blue Economy Marine Tourism Fair on June 8th, World Oceans Day, at the Dili Convention Center, with the presence of local companies, community initiatives and partners linked to sustainable tourism.
At the same time, the Oceans Fair will be held from June 5th to 7th at the Port of Dili, with exhibitions, shows and information on the economic opportunities that the sea offers for Timor-Leste's development.
The Government of Timor-Leste invites all citizens and residents to actively participate in World Oceans Week 2025 to raise awareness, take collective action and celebrate the country's unique marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
To access the full program of events and activities for World Oceans Week in Timor-Leste, please visit the website HERE - https://www.gftm.gov.tl/media/world-ocean-week-2025/
