Timor-Leste launches bird conservation initiative
08 February 2008
Timor-Leste has launched an important initiative for the
protection of Timor-Leste's globally significant natural and
cultural heritage, with the support of AVI volunteer adviser Cathy
Molnar.
Significant conservation initiative for Timor-Leste: Important
Bird Areas in Timor-Leste: Key Sites for Conservation
Today the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Mariano
Assanami Sabino launched the release of an important initiative for
the protection of Timor-Leste's globally significant natural and
cultural heritage. Important Bird Areas in Timor-Leste: Key
Sites for Conservation is the first publication on important
areas for biodiversity conservation in Timor-Leste.
The book is the culmination of a joint initiative between the
Government of Timor-Leste and BirdLife International in
collaboration with national NGOs, local communities and students
from the National University and forms the basis of Timor-Leste's
Protected Area Network. Progress has already begun with the
declaration of the joint terrestrial and marine Nino Konis Santana
National Park in 2007. Many of these sites also have deep cultural
and historical significance for the people of Timor-Leste.
The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Mariano Assanami
Sabino highlights the close relationship of Timorese to their
environment, "Timor-Leste has an historical relationship with
the natural environment. Our ancestors lives depended on the
environment, for food, clothing, building materials, everything
necessary for life. The relationship between people and the
environment was strong; they didn't change or destroy the
environment but used it only to sustain their lives. But during the
long period of foreign occupation exploitation and destruction was
extreme, not only physical and moral but also to the natural
environment. This transformed communities' attitudes to
unsustainable practices and environmental destruction. After
independence we have a duty to rehabilitate the environment and
natural resources and use them sustainability for the benefit of
future generations. The Government is committed to a creation of a
network of over fifteen Protected Areas for the conservation of
biodiversity values, three of these have already been joined to
create Timor-Leste's first National Park. Minister Sabino continued
"Reconstruction of Timor-Leste is not only physical and mental but
also environmental, through cultural approaches and with students
and youth so that future generations will be dedicated to
environmental care. This book Important Bird Areas of Timor-Leste
increases our awareness and understanding that birds are also
important for national development and are a part of our national
identity. They too have the rights to freedom, security, food and
reproduction. This publication will be used as a basis for
environmental rehabilitation and conservation of flora and fauna in
Timor-Leste."
Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are sites of international
importance for birds which are useful indicators of environmental
health, these sites are recognized as global priorities for
environmental conservation. This publication lists sixteen
critically important places for bird and biodiversity conservation
in Timor-Leste and provides information and data about each site.
Timor-Leste supports some of the most important surviving
populations of globally rare and threatened birds on earth,
including the Critically Endangered Yellow-crested Cockatoo. Many
of these species are found only on Timor Island. To date 35 species
of birds in Timor-Leste have restricted ranges, including 23 that
are entirely confined to the Timor and Wetar Endemic Bird Areas.
Together IBAs cover just under 12.5% of the land area of
Timor-Leste and a further five possible additional IBAs have been
identified. The IBA network covers all major terrestrial habitats
of Timor Island.
Many of these birds and the ecosystems and habitats are under
threat due to unsustainable agricultural practices, the pressures
of poverty and the need for rapid economic development.
Protection of the environment, preservation of natural resources
and safeguarding of sustainable livelihoods are guaranteed under
the Constitution and Manuel Mendes, Director of the Division of
Protected Areas and National Parks is ready for the challenge,
"as a small nation with many still living below the poverty
line the task of environmental conservation faces many
difficulties. Conversion of forests into agricultural lands
contributes to habitat destruction, rich people are exploiting
forest resources for their own benefit via illegal logging and the
Government commitment to development can threaten natural resources
within Protected Areas - these are challenges for our mandate for
environmental protection. The Division of Protected Areas and
National Parks together with all of society has a duty to balance
between development and environmental care through conservation of
important areas for wildlife and vegetation as a legacy for future
generations and to maintain the national identity of
Timor-Leste".
The Government of Timor-Leste and BirdLife International warmly
acknowledge the generous sponsorship of the Keidanren Nature
Conservation Fund (Japan), Darwin Initiative (DEFRA, UK
Government), Vogelbescherming Nederland and Charles Darwin
University (Australia) in the development of this publication, and
the ongoing support for the Protected Areas Program by Australian
Volunteers International and the Department of Environment and
Climate Change (NSW Australia).
For further information contact: Manuel Mendes,
Director, Protected Areas and National Parks +670 7275236; email:
lai_luhat78@yahoo.com;
Cathy Molnar, Advisor, Protected Areas and National Parks +670 726
7684, email: calactasia@yahoo.com.au.
Photo: Timor-Leste_IBA book cover_160x110.gif