Locations“UNDP and CPA Enhance Disaster Preparedness through TERS Training in Baucau Municipality”
Strengthening Local Disaster Response with the Timor-Leste Emergency Response System (TERS)
September 18, 2025
Group photo with participants of the TERS refresher training in Baucau, joined by Mr. Jesuíno dos Reis Matos Carvalho (CPA President) and Mr. Firuz Ibragimov (GCF-UNDP Project Manager).
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Baucau, Timor-Leste, 15 September 2025 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Civil Protection Authority (CPA), is continuing its efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and response in Timor-Leste through a nationwide series of refresher trainings on the Timor-Leste Emergency Response System (TERS). The second training session was launched in Baucau Municipality, with 20 CPA staff participating at the APC office in Baucau town. Conducted over three days, from 15 to 17 September 2025, the training is designed to enhance participants’ skills in using the TERS application to collect climate risk data, identify hazards, assess losses and damages, and respond effectively to climate-related emergencies.
Mr. Firuz Ibragimov, GCF-UNDP Project Manager, representing UNDP and highlighting the importance of cooperation during the TERS refresher training in Baucau.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Mr. Firuz Ibragimov, GCF-UNDP Project Manager, reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment, stating, “This training is dedicated to Timor-Leste’s Emergency Response System, developed in close cooperation with the Civil Protection Authority, the Government of Timor-Leste, and UNDP. We remain ambitious in upgrading this system to make it more efficient and more relevant. It is not only about responding, but also about prevention, ensuring a comprehensive early warning system for the country.”
Mr. Jesuíno dos Reis Matos Carvalho, President of the Civil Protection Authority (CPA), addressing the mission and emphasizing the importance of cooperation during the TERS refresher training in Baucau.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
The activity was officially opened by Mr. Jesuíno dos Reis Matos Carvalho, President of the Civil Protection Authority (CPA), who highlighted the importance of this collaboration. He noted, “On behalf of the Minister and the Secretary of State, I would like to express gratitude to UNDP for supporting us in modernizing our service systems from the national to the municipal level. These efforts aim to strengthen the work of our staff on the ground. I encourage all participants to make the most of this training.”
The Civil Protection Authority (CPA) is Timor-Leste’s national institution responsible for disaster risk management, emergency preparedness, and response.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-leste
During this session, participants learned how to operate the TERS digital platform for real-time data entry and monitoring, conduct detailed damage and loss assessments following disasters, analyze hazard information to produce accurate situation reports, and apply standardized procedures to coordinate rapid response at the municipal level. They also strengthened the linkages between national and municipal disaster response mechanisms, ensuring that data collection and decision-making processes are more timely and effective.
Mr. Martinho Fátima, Head of the Land Division at CPA, explaining the technical benefits of the TERS system for CPA during the opening session in Baucau.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Additional technical insights were provided by Mr. Martinho Fátima, Head of the Land Division at the Civil Protection Authority, who explained the technical aspects of how the system supported by UNDP strengthens APC’s work: “The support provided by UNDP to the Civil Protection Authority is very important. This includes essential equipment and applications such as TERS and MHRVA, which integrate multi-hazard data. These tools are now being introduced through this training.”
Mrs. Natalia conducting a simulation of the TERS system, demonstrating its use on her mobile phone during the training in Baucau.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Mrs. Natalia da Costa Guterres, CPA staff from the National Directorate for Relief, also highlighted the practical benefits of this innovation, noting: “In the past, we used manual processes that delayed data collection and analysis. With the new system, we can directly collect and upload data online in real time, which makes the process much faster and more effective.”
This Baucau training builds on the first refresher session held in Aileu Municipality from 3 to 7 September 2025, which gathered 30 CPA staff from national and municipal levels. That session marked the start of a broader capacity-building initiative to strengthen emergency response nationwide. In the coming weeks, the refresher training series will continue in Ermera, Lautém, Liquiçá, and Dili, ensuring CPA staff across all targeted municipalities are well equipped to operate TERS effectively.
Around 20 CPA staff actively participating in the TERS refresher training in Baucau to strengthen their technical skills in disaster preparedness and response.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
By investing in skills development and modern digital tools, the TERS programme is helping Timor-Leste strengthen local response capacity, reduce vulnerabilities, and build resilience against climate-related disasters. Together, UNDP, CPA, and the Government of Timor-Leste are building a safer and more resilient future.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Julio Amaral Guterres, Communications Analyst
UNDP Timor-Leste
Email: julio.amaral.guterres@undp.org
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