The Government has started a reforestation programme in the municipalities of Aileu, Liquiçá and Viqueque, with the official kick-off marked by a workshop held last week. This programme, developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Green Climate Fund, aims to strengthen the resilience of local communities to climate change by restoring forest areas and strengthening critical infrastructure. 

During the launch workshop, the implementing partners – RAEBIA, PERMATIL and the PROSPEK & FRATERNA Joint Venture – presented the project’s work plan, schedule of activities and organisational structure to the local authorities, the Ministry of State Administration, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, as well as representatives of national and international NGOs, UN agencies and local communities. 

The reforestation initiative will cover a total of 81 hectares, spread over the three municipalities: Aileu (30 ha), Liquiçá (21 ha) and Viqueque (30 ha). The project will not only promote the recovery of native vegetation but will also contribute to protecting 30 climate-resistant infrastructures, including fourteen rural roads, five irrigation systems, nine water systems and two protection systems against floods, landslides and erosion.

By strengthening these infrastructures and restoring vegetation cover, the programme aims to protect the assets and lives of approximately 42,655 people in the three municipalities’ rural areas. The initiative also seeks to increase the communities’ capacity to adapt and resilience to the impacts of climate change, ensuring long-term sustainability.

This project results from collaboration between the Ministry of State Administration and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, with the support of the UNDP and the Green Climate Fund, and in partnership with the implementing organisations involved.