Government of Timor-Leste

The Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, accompanied by the President of the Administrative Authority of Ataúro, Mateus Belo, launched the Rural Development and Community Revitalisation Program on January 17^th, 2026 at a ceremony in the Village (Suco) of Beloi, with the aim of supporting community economic initiatives and strengthening the local economy. 

The Community Revitalisation Programme is being implemented in three target Hamlets on the island of Ataúro: Usobemasu in Village (Suco) Beloi; Eklae in Village (Suco) Vila-Maumeta; and Fatulela in Village (Suco) Makili. These Hamlets comprise six community groups, mainly engaged in fishing, livestock farming, and water tourism.

In the fisheries sector, the Fitun Laloran group has prepared a vessel to support fishing activities. A snorkelling group has acquired a boat and diving equipment to rent to visitors interested in the marine ecosystem. In the livestock sector, the Naroma group is involved in pig and poultry farming. The Rental Motor group provides motorbike rental services to visitors travelling around the island.

During the ceremony, the Vice Prime Minister encouraged group members to maintain their commitment and ensure proper management of activities to secure sustainable returns, improve family finances, and promote the emergence of small local entrepreneurs. He also emphasised the need to protect the land and marine environment to preserve the island's natural beauty and maintain its tourist appeal, thereby ensuring positive economic impacts for Ataúro.

Mariano Assanami Sabino also noted that Ataúro is a priority for the Government, which will continue to invest in the local economy and basic infrastructure. He highlighted progress in the road network, which now provides access to previously isolated communities that were only connected by sea, and the potential for religious and nature tourism, associated with the sea, coral reefs, and natural landscapes.

The following day, the Vice Prime Minister, in his capacity as Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, also visited two Christian churches under construction on the island of Ataúro, which are receiving financial support from the Office for Civil Society Support, an institution under his supervision.