UN Resident Coordinator Remarks at UNESCO’s National Man and Biosphere Reserve Programme Workshop in Timor-Leste

HE Mr. Marcos da Cruz, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry 

HE Mr. Fernandino Vieira da Costa, Secretary of State for Forestry

Director-Generals of line ministries 

Excellencies and Ambassadors

Rectors/Representatives of the Universities in Timor-Leste

International and National Speakers

Local and International NGOs, member of media and civil society

UN Colleagues 

Good morning, distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and participants,

It is my great honour to address you all today at the opening session of “National Workshop on Nomination of Nino Konis Santana National Park as UNESCO-Designated Site and Action Plan for the Preservation” As the UN Resident Coordinator for Timor Leste, I am filled with pride and anticipation for the meaningful work we are set to embark upon together. This gathering symbolizes our collective commitment to preserving our invaluable natural heritage while fostering sustainable development.

First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to UNESCO for organizing this significant workshop. Your dedication to advancing the principles of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources is truly commendable. I also wish to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Secretariat of State for Forest, local communities, and all stakeholders involved in the stewardship of Nino Konis Santana National Park. Your unwavering commitment is crucial to achieving our shared goals.

Nino Konis Santana National Park is a beacon of ecological and cultural richness. Its diverse ecosystems include coastal mangroves, coral reefs, dense, dry tropical forests, and karst landscapes. Each of these habitats supports unique species. 

This biodiversity is important not only for scientific study but also for maintaining ecological balance and resilience against climate change. Additionally, the park holds cultural significance for the local communities, including the Indigenous Futaluku, who have lived in harmony with these lands for generations. Their traditions and practices offer invaluable insights into sustainable living, which we can learn from and integrate into modern conservation strategies.

UNESCO’s Biosphere reserves serve as pioneering examples of how we can achieve sustainable development goals. They are zones where ecological conservation and human activities are integrated in a balanced manner. These reserves provide an opportunity to develop, test, and demonstrate sustainable management practices that can be replicated elsewhere. They also offer a platform for research, education, and training, helping to build capacity for sustainable development as an in-situ learning laboratory. The role of biosphere reserves is critical in showing that it is possible to protect biodiversity while also meeting human needs.

Active community involvement is the bedrock of effective conservation. The traditional knowledge of local communities is a treasure trove of information that can enhance scientific research and conservation efforts. By involving communities in decision-making processes, we ensure that conservation strategies are culturally appropriate and socially acceptable. This approach not only empowers local people but also builds trust and cooperation, which are essential for the long-term success of conservation initiatives. Community-led conservation projects have repeatedly shown higher success rates and greater sustainability.

The conservation of Nino Konis Santana National Park has implications that extend well beyond its geographical boundaries. On a global scale, preserving the park contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to life underwater and on land (SDG 14 and 15) and climate action (SDG 13). 

Additionally, this park is part of the Coral Triangle, a global center of marine biodiversity. The Coral Triangle is often referred to as the "Amazon of the seas" because it hosts an incredible array of marine life, including over 500 species of reef-building corals. This designation highlights the park's importance not only locally but also internationally, as a crucial area for marine conservation. As part of the Coral Triangle, the park plays a vital role in maintaining marine biodiversity and protecting coral reefs that are crucial for the health of our oceans. Locally, the park plays a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of the communities through eco-tourism, sustainable fishing, and agriculture. Protecting the park helps maintain these livelihoods, ensuring food security and economic stability. Furthermore, the park is a source of national pride and identity, reinforcing the cultural heritage of Timor Leste.

This workshop should mark the beginning of a series of tangible actions aimed at enhancing the management and protection of Nino Konis Santana National Park as a future UNESCO Designated site. By developing and implementing innovative solutions, we can address the complex challenges of conservation. This requires a multi-faceted approach that includes policy development, capacity building, research, and community engagement. Our commitment should not end with this workshop; rather, it should be the starting point for ongoing collaboration and action. Together, we can create a model of sustainable management that benefits both people and nature.

In conclusion, the journey we embark on today is one of shared responsibility and collective action. By working together, we can ensure that Nino Konis Santana National Park remains a thriving ecosystem and a source of inspiration for future generations. Let us take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to sustainable development and to the protection of our natural heritage. The success of this workshop will be measured by the actions we take and the impact we create. Let us move forward with determination and hope, confident that our efforts will lead to a better, more sustainable future.