Supporting Infrastructure and Strategic Development Framework for Atauro Authority in Timor-Leste

Atauro, a key focal point in Timor-Leste’s Blue Economy strategy, is poised for transformative development through UN-supported infrastructure and strategic planning initiatives. The RCO in Timor-Leste coordinated UN support to the Ministry of State Administration, FEDA and Atauro Authority to undertake an initial assessment of infrastructure and development pathways in Atauro with a view to assisting a strategic development framework for Atauro. The draft assessment outlines actionable recommendations for sectors such as education, health, disaster risk reduction, and eco-tourism using GIS-based mapping and participatory processes to ensure community-driven, inclusive development. A core principle of this process is the active participation of both the government and the local communities, ensuring that development initiatives reflect the needs and priorities of the people of Atauro.

The next steps for the rollout of the Plan include formal endorsement by government, engaging stakeholders and mobilizing resources to implement the plan. This Plan demonstrates a key vision of not just the UN, but of government, in developing area-based, data driven, climate resilient and people centred development plans.

Atauro is central to the IX Constitutional Government strategy on the Blue Economy and economic diversification, and UN support is to strengthen planning, prioritization of development actions, funding and investments to the Island with a view to ensure a population that is enabled to take advantage of the incoming opportunities – increasing access to health, nutrition, to skills, to rural infrastructure and in ensuring the preservation of cultural artefacts and environment.

This initiative not only strengthens Atauro’s infrastructure but also advances Timor-Leste’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and environmental preservation. To ensure that this planning process is aligned to the Prime-Minister’s Blue Economy vision, the RC in mid-November 2024, held a high-level meeting with the CEO and key advisers of the Lands and Boundary Commission Office, PM’s Office and and the heads of UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, FAO, UNIDO, and UNOPS. The meeting explored how UN support can strengthen the capacity of Atauro Authority to better plan for development initiatives in meeting the SDG objectives, and UN collective offers in advancing the Blue Economy and biodiversity preservation on Atauro Island, in support of the Prime-Minister’s and the government’s vision, especially on the establishment of two key institutions: a Marine Park and a Marine Research and Education Centre.