On February 24th, 2026, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz, inaugurated the Integrated Forestry Training Centre in Balak, Aiteas village, in the municipality of Manatuto, and launched planting activities for sandalwood and sorghum (Batar Fós Kay Rala – BAFO). The Secretary of State for Forestry, Fernandino da Costa Vieira, and representatives from various entities attended the ceremony. 
During the initiative, the Minister noted that the forestry sector faces two main challenges: reforestation of degraded areas caused by excessive logging, and the protection of existing species. He indicated that the Ministry has been promoting the establishment of nurseries to support planting in at-risk areas, protect slopes, and reduce environmental degradation.
The Integrated Forestry Training Centre is intended for training in forestry, agriculture, livestock, and administration. It is available to civil servants, non-governmental organisations, and other entities interested in the sector’s development.
The Minister highlighted the economic potential of sandalwood and encouraged planting on available land. He said that interested parties could obtain plants from existing nurseries, namely in Maubara.
Within the framework of interinstitutional cooperation, the planting of sorghum was also promoted, in coordination with the Secretariat of State for Cooperatives, emphasising that this cereal has various food uses and can contribute to the diversification of agricultural production and the strengthening of food security.
The Secretary of State for Forestry recalled that the Ministry had not previously had its own training facilities and stated that the creation of the Training Centre will strengthen employees’ technical skills, particularly those of the Directorate-General for Forestry. Other institutions may also use the space for training and technical meetings.
Municipal authorities, representatives of the security and defence forces, institutional partners, and forestry sector employees attended the ceremony.