Timor-Leste has made significant advancements in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience. However, it acknowledges the need for increased investment, improved monitoring systems, and better coordination to achieve its long-term environmental objectives.

The findings are presented in the country’s Seventh National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), prepared by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The report assesses progress made since 2019 and outlines Timor-Leste’s efforts to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework through its newly revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2026–2030. 

Timor-Leste, one of the youngest countries in the world and a Small Island Developing State, is home to important terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The report emphasizes the increasing national commitment to safeguarding these natural resources while ensuring that conservation efforts provide real benefits for communities, livelihoods, and sustainable development.

Restoring Landscapes and Strengthening Community Resilience

In recent years, Timor-Leste has intensified its efforts to restore degraded forests, watersheds, and coastal ecosystems. Large-scale restoration initiatives, supported by UNDP, UNEP, the European Union, JICA, and other partners, have contributed to the recovery of thousands of hectares of mangrove forests and degraded land.

Among the notable achievements are river valley restoration projects, community-based agroforestry programmes, and mangrove rehabilitation initiatives that strengthen coastal protection while supporting biodiversity conservation. These efforts are helping vulnerable communities adapt to climate change, improve water security, and create more sustainable livelihoods. 

Community stewardship remains central to these efforts. Traditional governance systems such as “Tara Bandu” continue to play a critical role in protecting natural resources, reducing illegal harvesting, and strengthening local ownership of conservation outcomes.

Protecting Biodiversity on Land and at Sea

The report highlights continued progress in expanding and improving protected and conserved areas. Timor-Leste now protects approximately 20 percent of its terrestrial area, while marine conservation initiatives are expanding through marine protected areas and locally managed marine areas. 

Significant attention has been focused on Nino Konis Santana National Park, the country’s premier protected area, which has recently been designated as Timor-Leste’s first biosphere reserve by UNESCO. This achievement is remarkable, resulting from effective investments in management planning, research, staff training, and community engagement. These efforts are enhancing conservation while also promoting opportunities for ecotourism and sustainable local development.

In coastal areas, innovative fisheries monitoring systems and community-managed marine conservation models are generating valuable data and supporting more sustainable resource use. Women-led fisheries monitoring initiatives are also demonstrating how conservation can advance gender equality and community empowerment. 

Building Climate Resilience through Nature-Based Solutions

Climate change remains one of Timor-Leste’s most pressing environmental challenges. In response, the country is increasingly integrating biodiversity conservation into climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies.

Nature-based solutions such as reforestation, agroforestry, mangrove restoration, and watershed protection help reduce climate vulnerability while enhancing ecosystem services. Investments in climate-resilient agriculture, improved crop varieties, and sustainable land management further support food security and rural livelihoods.

Strengthening the Policy and Legal Framework

One of the report’s key findings is the substantial progress made in strengthening environmental governance. Timor-Leste has established an increasingly robust legal framework for biodiversity conservation, environmental impact assessment, plastic pollution control, and access and benefit-sharing of genetic resources. 

The country’s revised NBSAP aligns national priorities with global biodiversity goals and was developed through extensive consultations involving local communities, women, youth, government agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, and the private sector. 

Challenges Remain

Despite these advances, the report notes that significant challenges persist. Biodiversity monitoring remains limited, with many species and ecosystems lacking baseline data. Funding constraints, enforcement gaps, invasive species, pollution, uncertain land tenure, and fragmented institutional coordination continue to affect implementation. 

Plastic pollution and waste management remain major concerns, particularly in urban and coastal areas. While important policy reforms have been introduced, infrastructure, public awareness, and recycling systems require further strengthening. 

Looking Ahead

The report concludes that Timor-Leste has made partial progress on the majority of national biodiversity targets, with strong foundations now in place for accelerated action during the 2026–2030 period. Continued collaboration among government, local communities, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector will be essential to achieve the country’s biodiversity ambitions.

With continued support from partners including UNDP, Timor-Leste is working to ensure that biodiversity conservation remains a driver of sustainable development, climate resilience, and improved livelihoods for current and future generations. 

Finally, the Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, officially endorsed the 7^th NR, and it has been submitted to UNCBD, reaffirming the country's commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.