Timor-Leste Reinforces Its Commitment to Mangrove Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration
Bobonaro, July 28th, 2026 — World Mangrove Day, celebrated annually on July 26th, highlights the vital ecological, economic, and social importance of mangrove ecosystems, particularly for climate resilience, marine protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry, together with the President of the Bobonaro Municipal Authority and the development partner Conservation International Timor-Leste — Kiwa RESTORE — celebrated the 4th World Mangrove Day with a range of programmes under the national theme: “Nature-Based Solutions—Protecting the mangrove ecosystem in accordance with local knowledge to improve lives.”
The event was attended by the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino; the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forests, Marcos da Cruz; the Secretary of State for Forests, Fernandino da Costa; other members of Government; national and international development partners; diplomatic representatives; security and defence officials; municipal authorities and officials from Bobonaro’s administrative offices; community leaders; and local residents.
In his remarks, Vice Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino emphasised the importance of restoring and protecting forests, noting that forests, water, and the sea are essential to sustaining people and wildlife. He also highlighted the economic potential of conserving natural resources, stating that well-managed ecosystems can generate income for local communities by attracting visitors and promoting local products.
The Vice Prime Minister asked the relevant ministries to work closely with local communities to ensure that conservation efforts extend beyond commemorative events and deliver lasting benefits to the population.
“I ask the ministries to cooperate with the community not only during the celebration but also to ensure that these efforts deliver real benefits,” he said.
The Secretary of State for Forests reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to protecting and restoring the mangrove ecosystem in Timor-Leste during the World Mangrove Day celebration in the hamlet of Sanirin, within the Balibó administrative post in the municipality of Bobonaro.
The Member of the Government emphasised that the 9th Constitutional Government continues to prioritise ecosystem restoration, mangrove rehabilitation, agroforestry, reforestation, and the development of the green economy as part of its national environmental agenda. He also called for closer collaboration among government institutions, local communities, development partners, the private sector, and young people to safeguard the country’s natural resources.
“I would also like to invite the youth of Timor-Leste to become Green Ambassadors. Young people are the leaders of ecological transformation. Through education, innovation, and forestry volunteer work, we can transform Timor-Leste into a green, resilient, and sustainable nation,” said the Secretary of State.
The celebration of the 4th World Mangrove Day in Balibó was organised through a collaboration among the Directorate-General of Forests, the Secretariat of State for Forests, Conservation International Timor-Leste, and several national and international partners committed to environmental conservation and sustainable development in Timor-Leste.
The Bee Malae Lagoon, a natural treasure of Bobonaro, lies in the hamlet of Sanirin, within the administrative post of Balibó, in the municipality of Bobonaro. This lagoon is one of the most important coastal wetlands in Timor-Leste. Covering approximately 3,000 hectares, it is renowned for its scenic beauty, extensive mangrove forest, and rich biodiversity, making it a valuable ecotourism destination and a key site for environmental conservation.
