The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry, through the Secretary of State for Forestry, held the National Conference on Forests on Jully 18th, 2025, at the Dili Convention Centre, under the theme “Economic Diversification Through the Forestry Sector.” The Meeting brought together Government representatives, academics, civil society organizations, development partners and private sector, with the aim of debating strategies to make the forestry sector one of the driving forces behind Timor-Leste’s sustainable economic growth. 
In his opening speech, the Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, said that forests are an essential part of national identity and a strategic resource for the country’s future. “The forestry sector represents hope for life on the island. Previously, the guerrillas obtained protection from the old-growth forests, now it is necessary to recover the degraded areas so that they can offer hope to the communities, contribute to the environmental balance and prevent flooding,” he said. The Minister called on all conference participants to discuss and debate to draw up relevant proposals for a sustainable and resilient forestry sector, with a positive impact on the green and blue economy. 
The Secretary of State for Forestry, Fernandino Vieira da Costa, said that the conference was “an important step in the national development strategy.” According to the government official, “for many years, our economy relied heavily on oil and gas revenues. But as we look to a sustainable and inclusive future, we need to diversify the economy and exploit the potential of sectors rooted in our territory, our people and our culture. Forestry is one of those sectors with great potential to contribute to Timor-Leste’s economy.” He added that the aim of the conference is to “raise awareness about the potential of the forestry sector, in order to exploit economic opportunities related to forest products, capable of improving local livelihoods and contributing to national revenues”.
Fernandino Vieira da Costa recalled the historical role of forests as a sanctuary during the resistance, stressing that today they play a central role in biodiversity conservation, climate and water regulation and the development of a green economy. “Under the IX Constitutional Government, forests are already a strategic priority for promoting social inclusion, economic growth and environmental conservation. Through sustainable management, a new path is opening that benefits people and the planet,” he said. 
The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz, highlighted the importance of forests for national resilience. “Forests cover around 58% of the national territory and play a critical role in environmental protection, regulating water systems, preventing erosion and preserving biodiversity. They are also a vital resource for sustaining many families in rural areas and form the basis of a diversified and sustainable economy,” he said.
The conference was a space for the exchange of knowledge and strategic reflection to promote collaboration between different sectors to identify policies and practices that strengthen the forestry sector’s contribution to environmental stability, the preservation of biodiversity and sustainable economic development. END