UNDP supports private-public partnership for mangrove restoration

Partnership plays an important role in achieving inclusive and sustainable development through shared responsibilities and commitment to protect and conserve the ecosystem

March 7, 2018

Several initiatives are being undertaken through direct and indirect support of UNDP

UNDP Timor-Leste in close collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) is implementing “Building the Shoreline Resilience of Timor Leste to Protect Local Communities and Their Livelihoods” with the coastal communities of Dili, Liquica, Bobonaro, Covalima, Manufahi, Manatuto and Viqueque municipalities with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) since September 2016. (Lee versaun Tetum iha ne'e)

Partnership plays an important role in achieving inclusive and sustainable development through shared responsibilities and commitment to protect and conserve the ecosystem.

Raising awareness among all stakeholders in the development process is more important than merely planting a mangrove. Accordingly, engaging the private sector to strengthen partnership in the rehabilitation and restoration of vulnerable mangroves and coastal ecosystem is one of the key components of the project.

Since the inception of the project, UNDP has maintained huge efforts to engage additional partners to support the initiative and secure long-term funding commitments. The first campaign, “One Child, One Mangrove” was held in April 2017 in collaboration with MAF, NGO Konservasaun Flora and Fauna (KFF) and local authorities and the community in Ulmera, Liquica municipality. The campaign has generated massive awareness among the wider public, school community, government sector ministers, NGOs and other development partners and students.

Several initiatives are being undertaken through direct and indirect support of UNDP with local partners and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forest and Fisheries to protect and conserve the mangroves of Timor Leste.

One key milestone in public private partnership took place during planting of mangroves in Metinaro on 23 February 2018 which is a good example of successful strengthening of partnership in protection and conservation efforts. Partners such as Heineken, BRI Bank, Mandiri Bank, Pertamina International and UNDP collaborated and supported the National Directorate of Forestry, Coffee and Industrial Plants, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) to plant more than 2,000 mangroves.

The Minister, Vice-minister, Director General of Forestry, Coffee and Industrial Plants, government staff, local communities and administrative authorities and university students participated in this colorful planting event.

This was possible due to increased awareness amongst private sector organisations who are willing to support the protection and conservation of mangroves as part of their corporate social responsibility as well as for the sustainability of their business.  

UNDP will continue its advocacy and support to enhance such public private partnership for the expansion of coastal adaptation and ecosystem management to build the resilience of coastal communities of Timor-Leste.