Project background

Communities all over Timor-Leste are at risk from the impacts of disasters caused by natural hazards. Around 80 per cent of the country’s population has already experienced the effects of a natural disaster in their lifetime. The country’s location and vulnerability to cyclic climatic events means that every year people suffer from localized events including floods, landslides, strong winds and prolonged dry seasons. Timor-Leste is also prone to earthquakes and tsunamis which could significantly affect the lives of people and have an enormous impact on economic and social infrastructure. (Lee versaun Tetum iha ne'e)

Project activities

•  Educate key decision makers within the Government on the risks of natural disasters and extreme weather events and their links to development within the context of climate change

•  Ensure disaster risk reduction efforts are included in the policies, plans and budgets of the five development ministries

•  Strengthen the National Disaster Operations Center and the District Disaster Operations Centers abilities to both prepare for and respond to disasters effectively and systematically

•  Ensure vulnerable communities are able to participate in disaster risk reduction and local climate change adaptation

Project results

• By 2012, vulnerable groups experience a significant improvement in sustainable livelihoods, poverty reduction and disaster risk management within an overarching crisis prevention and recovery context.

• By 2013, capacities of national and district authorities, including women, are developed for disaster preparedness and risk management.

• Development of national Disaster Risk Management capacity at the national and district levels, including in communities vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change.