Locations“How communities in Timor-Leste’s second-largest municipality are turning climate challenges into opportunities for growth and hope”
Baucau’s Journey to Climate Resilience: Infrastructure, Water, and Livelihoods
October 12, 2025
Zelio, a 6-year-old boy, waters tomato plants in his family’s backyard garden alongside his parents and siblings in Buruma, Baucau Municipality. The family uses water from the Buruma irrigation system, which now enables households to grow vegetables year-round, strengthening food security and improving family livelihoods.
Julio Guterres / UNDP Timor-leste
Baucau, located in the northeastern part of Timor-Leste along the northern coast, is the country’s second-largest municipality. It is home to 134,878 people, according to the 2022 Population and Housing Census published by the Government of Timor-Leste. The municipality covers approximately 1,504 square kilometers, resulting in a population density of roughly 90.6 people per square kilometer, as noted by GeoRef International Statistics.
The municipality is blessed with fertile lands and a strong cultural heritage, but faces serious, intensifying climate-induced threats. For example, based on the information from the GCF-UNDP “Safeguarding Rural Communities Project’s Comprehensive climate hazard mapping and risk assessment, and the development of a risk model for Timor-Leste”.
A scenic view of Baucau’s coastline from the side of Mount Matebian, showcasing fertile lands, productive farms, and areas known for their cultural and historical tourism value.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
In Timor-Leste, the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events have risen significantly in recent decades. National disaster records and climate analyses indicate that the number of days with catastrophic floods and mudflows has increased by approximately 30–40% since the early 2000s. Major flood events have been documented in 1998, 2012, and 2014, with widespread impacts across multiple municipalities, including Baucau, resulting in damage to infrastructure, homes, and agricultural land. The most devastating recent event was Tropical Cyclone Seroja in April 2021, which triggered nationwide flash floods and landslides, affecting over 30,000 households (UN Timor-Leste report). According to the government’s Household and Building Damage Assessment (HBDA), in the wake of Seroja, Baucau was among five municipalities where damage assessments were conducted, with hundreds of buildings, houses, irrigation channels, and water systems evaluated for damage (UNDP Timor-Leste). While precise numbers for the number of households affected in Baucau alone are not publicly disaggregated, national data notes that about 128 houses in Baucau were recorded as seriously damaged or destroyed during Seroja.
At the same time, rising temperatures are altering Timor-Leste’s climate profile. The number of days with temperatures exceeding 35°C, particularly in lowland and coastal areas, has increased. While Timor-Leste rarely experiences extreme cold, cooler highland areas have seen milder dry-season temperatures, consistent with a gradual warming trend.
The same assessment reported that the total national damage and loss from the disaster was estimated at US$307.7 million, with 58 percent of the destruction in infrastructure.
The Uailili Water Source irrigation system in Baucau Municipality, developed under the GCF–UNDP project, channels water through reinforced canals to support over 20 hectares of farmland. It provides a steady water supply that allows local farmers to grow rice, maize, and vegetables year-round, improving livelihoods and strengthening resilience to climate change.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Like many regions worldwide, Baucau faces growing climate risks, but its steep terrain, seasonal droughts, and limited infrastructure make it especially vulnerable. Droughts stress agricultural crops during the dry months, and steep slopes make many roads and fields vulnerable to landslides when storms come. Recognizing these challenges, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), together with the Government of Timor-Leste and local authorities, have invested in a range of climate-resilient infrastructure under the Safeguarding Rural Communities and Their Physical Assets from Climate-Induced Disasters programme. In Baucau, these efforts have brought new roads, water systems, irrigation schemes, and agroforestry initiatives across sucos and aldeias. In total, seven projects have been completed or are currently under implementation in the Baucau Municipality.
Suco Chief Domingos da Costa Pereira speaks with truck driver Jacinto Viana Ximenes, who is transporting passengers along the newly rehabilitated Lavateri road in Baucau Municipality, improved under the GCF–UNDP project to enhance mobility and community access.
Julio Guterres/ UNPD Timor-Leste
The rehabilitation of roads has been critical in reconnecting isolated communities. One of the largest undertakings was the Lavateri to Onor Tibalari road, located in Suco Lavateri, Administrative Post of Baguia. Implemented between November 2022 and November 2023, the 3.7-kilometer road now directly serves more than 1,400 people across Aldeia Onortibalari, Ledana, Uabubu, and Ossosilari, comprising 283 households with 694 women and 720 men. The intervention included earthworks, pavement, retaining structures, slope stabilization, and soil bioengineering, along with agroforestry efforts, where 1,425 trees were planted across 8.9 hectares, benefiting 12 farming households. The project generated approximately 250 days of employment, with 30 percent participation by women. The results are tangible: transportation costs dropped dramatically, and local leaders confirm easier access to markets, schools, and health facilities. Domingos da Costa Pereira, Suco Chief of Lavateri, said: “The road built by UNDP benefits five aldeias. Before and during the rainy season, access was very difficult. Now, we can transport our products more easily to the market, saving time and cost. Previously, transporting rice cost $120 per ton, but now it is only $35.” Truck driver Jacinto Viana Ximenes agreed: “Before, this road was very difficult for vehicles. Now it is much better, and I can make more trips.”
Driver Jacinto Viana Ximenes, from Suco Lavateri, Baucau Municipality, transports passengers and goods along the newly rehabilitated Lavateri road, which has made travel faster, safer, and more accessible for local communities.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Another road project, the Uailekileru to Baguluru rehabilitation, was carried out in Suco Guruca, Administrative Post of Quelicai, between January and July 2025. Covering 2.38 kilometers, the road benefits more than 2,700 people from five aldeias: Euafa, Faeua, Lacolela, Saebere, and Uadaboru, including 1,396 men and 1,338 women. The works included earthworks, pavement, retaining walls, gabions, slope stabilization, and revegetation. Around 300 days of employment were created, with at least 30 percent women’s participation. Truck driver Augusto Ximenes da Silva explained: “Before UNDP improved the road, we had great difficulties, especially for transporting construction materials and even ambulances. Now, access is much easier, and the community is grateful.” Suco Chief Filomeno Mendonça added: “We are very thankful to UNDP for this rural road. It connects our suco and aldeias, supports agriculture, cultural activities, and even tourism in the future. Now buses and ambulances can reach us, and we feel proud.”
Driver Augusto Ximenes da Silva transports construction materials on his truck in Suco Guruca, Administrative Post of Quelicai, Baucau Municipality, sharing his experience of how, before the road was rehabilitated, it was difficult to drive and transport goods - but now, with the improved road, travel is smoother, faster, and safer for the community.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Access to clean water is equally transformative. The Ana-Uaro water supply system in Suco Caibada, Administrative Post of Quelicai, is bringing new hope to households. Implemented between January and June 2025, the project involves 4,031 meters of transmission and distribution pipelines, two reservoir tanks of 20 cubic meters each, two brake pressure tanks, and 20 public taps, supported by a submersible pump and electrical installations. It benefits 1,223 people across 361 households, including 600 men and 623 women. About 50 days of employment were created during construction, with 10 percent women’s participation.
After a long time facing challenges in accessing clean water, the community of Ana-Uaro, Suco Caibada, Baucau Municipality, now enjoys reliable water supply through the new Ana-Uaro water system, bringing relief and improving daily life for local families.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Suco Chief Cosme da Costa Lopes emphasized: “Water is the most essential need, more than electricity, roads, or schools. This system now benefits more than 1,200 people and around 361 households.” For women like 58-year-old Isabel da Costa, the change is deeply felt: “Before, we had to walk for an hour to fetch water, carrying 2–3 jerrycans many times a day. Now, with the new system, water is near our homes. We feel happy and relieved.”
Ms. Isabel da Costa, a resident of Ana-Uaro, Suco Caibada, Quelicai, Baucau Municipality, sits beside the community water tap and storage tank near her home. She proudly shares that after years of walking long distances to fetch water, she and her neighbors now have easy access to clean water right in their community.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Irrigation improvements are enhancing food security and incomes for farmers. In Suco Fatulia, Administrative Post of Venilale, a 450-meter irrigation channel was rehabilitated between May and November 2023. The works included a new intake structure, water control gates, 415 meters of stone masonry lining, slope stabilization with gabion walls, and soil-bioengineering along vulnerable sections. To strengthen the ecosystem, 18,601 trees were planted across 21.9 hectares in 17 farm lots, benefiting 12 farming households. The system now benefits more than 900 people across 157 households in Aldeia Bahadatu, Osowaki, and Uaibai. The project created about 206 days of employment with at least 30 percent women’s participation.
Ms. Ermezinda da Costa Gusmão, Aldeia Chief of Bahadatu, Suco Fatulia, Administrative Post of Venilale, Baucau Municipality, stands near the rehabilitated irrigation channel that now provides consistent water to local farms. She explains how the improved system has made it easier for farmers to grow rice, maize, and vegetables, especially during the dry season.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Aldeia Chief Ermezinda da Costa Gusmão explained: “During the rainy season, people had to dig the canal manually to rebuild the broken irrigation channels, which had been destroyed by landslides and blocked by muddy paths, making the work very difficult. Now, more than 1,000 people from our aldeia and neighboring ones are using the new irrigation system. It has improved both the quality and the volume of water, helping us grow rice, corn, and vegetables better than before.”Farmer Domingos de Deus added: “Before, the water was too scarce to serve all farmers. Now, the water is sufficient. This year alone, I harvested 38 sacks of rice, and in good years, I can reach 50 sacks.”
The Fatulia irrigation system in Suco Fatulia, Administrative Post of Venilale, Baucau Municipality, features a 450-meter rehabilitated channel with new intake structures, water control gates, and slope stabilization works. The system now supplies water to over 900 people from 157 households, supporting 21.9 hectares of farmland and enabling farmers to cultivate rice, maize, and vegetables more efficiently throughout the year.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
In Suco Buruma, another irrigation intervention began in January 2025 and is scheduled to finish in June 2025. The scheme protects a 380-meter irrigation channel at Uai-Uso using 168 gabions, 201 meters of new stone masonry, 179 meters of rehabilitation works, and eight control gates. The project also included revegetation on 212 square meters of vulnerable land. The scheme directly benefits 50 farmers and 20.5 hectares of paddy fields, while Aldeia Onosere alone accounts for 463 people across 89 households. The works created 50 days of employment with 10 percent women’s participation.
The Buruma irrigation system in Baucau Municipality was once prone to damage and water shortages. After rehabilitation with gabions, stone masonry, and new control gates, it now provides steady water to 89 households farming 20.5 hectares, improving crop production and resilience.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Farmer João da Costa Beleo shared: “Before, we could only grow rice. Now, with irrigation, we also plant maize. Previously, during the dry season, it was difficult. But now, farming is easier.” His neighbor Feliz da Costa Belo added: “Now we grow tomatoes, eggplants, and chilies to sell at the market, earning $20–25 each week. Before, during rainy season, the road and water systems were a problem. Now with irrigation and road improvements, farming has become more productive.”
Feliz da Costa Belo, a farmer from Suco Buruma, Baucau Municipality, stands in his tomato field with his son, sharing how the improved irrigation system now allows his family to grow vegetables year-round and earn a stable income from their harvests.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Alongside irrigation, agroforestry has been introduced to combine environmental protection with livelihood opportunities. In Suco Bahamori, farmer Mikael Bin Sasi received 200 trees including jackfruit, rambutan, mahogany, and avocado. “They bring benefits to my family—we earn income and feel proud of our success. I can sell in the market twice a week, earning $10 to $20 each time,” he said.
Mr. Mikael Bin Sasi, a farmer from Suco Bahamori, Baucau Municipality, stands proudly beside his jackfruit tree in his backyard. Alongside jackfruit tree, he also grows rambutan, mahogany, and avocado trees, which provide both income and food for his family throughout the year.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP TImor-Leste
Another farmer, Cipriano Afonso da Cruz, has embraced vanilla cultivation alongside coffee and bananas. “I learned from Facebook about how to care for vanilla and apply proper techniques. I practice distance planting, animal protection, and pollination methods. I am confident this will produce results.” His story reflects how farmers are using new knowledge and technology to adapt to climate challenges. Cipriano explained that vanilla requires patience, but once harvested, it has a high market value. By diversifying his crops, he reduces risk from seasonal changes and ensures his family has multiple sources of income. “With vanilla, I am looking not just for today but also for the future of my children. This crop can bring long-term benefits if we take care of it properly,” he said proudly.
Mr. Cipriano Afonso da Cruz, a farmer from Suco Bahamori, Baucau Municipality, stands proudly among his vanilla plants, holding dried vanilla pods in his hand. He shares that he learned how to pollinate and care for vanilla through social media, and now his successful cultivation provides both income and hope for the future of his family.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
H.E. Veneranda Lemos, President of Baucau Municipality, highlighted the wide-ranging significance of the interventions for her community. She explained that in 2024 alone, Baucau benefited from seven projects under the GCF–UNDP programme, all of which were implemented successfully and directly touched the lives of people. “These projects bring a new vision for Baucau. They are not only about constructing roads or providing water; they represent a holistic package that addresses access, environment, and livelihoods at the same time.”
She underlined the integrated nature of the work: “What is most interesting about GCF–UNDP projects is that besides constructing roads and water systems, they also include agroforestry. This is an integrated approach, combining physical infrastructure with environmental protection. This way, the projects respond to immediate needs, like transportation and water, while also preparing the land and environment for our children and future generations.”
H.E. Veneranda Lemos, President of Baucau Municipal Authority, speaks in her office, sharing her broad vision as a municipal leader - emphasizing collaboration, discipline, and innovation to ensure that the GCF project’s climate-resilient initiatives serve as a best-practice model for sustainable development across Timor-Leste.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
These achievements are possible thanks to strong local leadership and coordination. Carlos Alberto Guterres, Director of PDIM Baucau, explained: “We are grateful to GCF–UNDP and the people of Baucau for the projects being implemented in the municipality. Our role is to ensure quality, and from what we have observed, these projects are being implemented with good standards. As Director, I work closely with UNDP engineers to provide guidance for monitoring and supervision, ensuring that quality standards are met.”
Mr. Carlos Alberto Guterres, Director of PDIM Baucau, speaks in his office, expressing his commitment to ensuring quality standards in all infrastructure projects and highlighting the strong coordination between engineers, local authorities, and communities to achieve sustainable results.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
President Veneranda Lemos also stressed the importance of partnership and governance in making these projects successful: “We cannot achieve development alone. Strong collaboration between local authorities, government ministries, development partners, and the communities themselves is essential. We saw that when the PDIM, suco chiefs, youth, and women all participated in monitoring and maintaining the works, the quality and sustainability improved.”
She linked these interventions to her broader vision of municipal leadership: “First, there must be good communication; second, collaboration; and third, discipline. With discipline, we can achieve quality service delivery. These principles are what I expect from my municipal authority and from all community leaders, so that every project truly benefits our people.”
The President also emphasized inclusion: “I was proud to see women and people with disabilities participating in the labour of road and irrigation works, as well as in planting trees. This is not just about infrastructure but also about dignity, empowerment, and showing that everyone in our municipality has a role in building resilience.”
Mr. Vicente da Conceição, a supervisor with a physical disability, works alongside engineers and technicians during the installation of a water pump connected to the reservoir tank that supplies clean water to Aldeia Ana-Uaro, Suco Caibada, Baucau Municipality. Together, they ensure quality and efficiency in bringing reliable water access to the community.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP - Timor-Leste
Her words are reflected in the story of Mr. Vicente da Conceição, a father of four with a physical disability, who worked as a supervisor during the installation of a water system. Despite his condition, he successfully oversaw the technical work and supported his team in completing the project. Sharing his experience, he said: “I encourage my fellow persons with disabilities to learn a skill that allows us to participate in different jobs. We must not give up or be afraid. Together, we can work and contribute to the development of our country.”
Finally, President Lemos reflected on the long-term impact of these initiatives: “With these projects, families now have clean water, farmers can bring their crops to market, and children can go to school more easily. But beyond these immediate results, what matters is that people feel more confident about their future. They see that Baucau is not forgotten, that we are part of Timor-Leste’s path to resilience and sustainable development.”
At the Baucau Traditional Market, farmers and vendors sell their produce and daily goods. The improvement of rural roads has made it easier for them to transport products to the market, increasing accessibility and supporting the local economy.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
For farmers, mothers, students, truck drivers, people with disabilities, and local authorities alike, the GCF–UNDP interventions are not just infrastructure - they are lifelines. Roads reduce travel costs and open markets, water systems bring health and dignity, irrigation secures harvests, and agroforestry protects the environment while generating income. Together, these initiatives have already benefited more than 10,000 people in Baucau, strengthening resilience and building hope for the future. Through continued partnership between development agencies, government, and communities, Baucau is showing that climate resilience can be built from the ground up, one project and one success story at a time.
Under the warm sunset, children smile as they carry freshly harvested kankung from their backyard garden in Suco Buruma, near the irrigation site. Their smiles reflect the meaning of progress and hope - that water is life. Thriving plantations depend on reliable water sources to sustain growth and productivity. With improved irrigation and road access, families can now transport their produce more easily, strengthening livelihoods and building a more resilient future together.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
About the GCF–UNDP Project
The “Safeguarding Rural Communities and Their Physical Assets from Climate-Induced Disasters in Timor-Leste” project is a flagship partnership between the Government of Timor-Leste, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). It aims to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities by constructing climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting nature-based solutions, and building local capacity to adapt to climate change. Interventions include rural road rehabilitation, irrigation systems, slope stabilization, and agroforestry initiatives, ensuring that communities can maintain access to markets, schools, and health services while protecting their livelihoods from climate impacts. By integrating engineering standards with sustainable land management, the project is contributing directly to Timor-Leste’s Strategic Development Plan 2011–2030 and the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.
“When communities gain access to water, roads, and sustainable farming, they don’t just rebuild - they thrive. Baucau’s journey shows that resilience begins with opportunity, partnership, and hope.”
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