Locations"How Climate-Resilient Infrastructure is Empowering Communities, Protecting Livelihoods, and Driving Sustainable Development in Timor-Leste’s Largest Municipality"
Building Resilience in Viqueque: Climate-Proofing Rural Infrastructure to Safeguard Communities
August 4, 2025
A young beneficiary in Suco Ahic helps their parents plant a mahogany tree on their land - more than just planting a tree, they are planting hope and building a better future for their family and community.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Located in the southeast of Timor-Leste, Viqueque Municipality is the largest in the country by land area, spanning approximately 1,872 square kilometers. It is home to 80,176 residents according to the 2022 census, distributed across five administrative posts: Lacluta, Ossu, Uato-Lari, Uato-Carbau, and Viqueque. Known for its cultural richness and linguistic diversity - with local languages such as Tetum Terik, Makasa’e, and Naueti spoken across the region - Viqueque is also celebrated for its unique traditions, such as the Tara Bandu customary law system, traditional weaving (tais), ceremonial dances, and strong community bonds that guide communal life and local governance. The municipality holds untapped potential in agriculture, coastal fisheries, and community-based eco-tourism.
Despite this potential, Viqueque faces significant development and climate-related challenges. Most households depend on subsistence farming, often constrained by irregular rainfall patterns, seasonal droughts, and flood-induced damage to infrastructure. For example, in the past, Mr. Joaquim Soares, a smallholder farmer in Uatocarbau, struggled to irrigate his farmland during the dry season, often losing crops due to lack of water access and long walking distances to fetch water. These challenges reduced his family's food supply and income, making them highly vulnerable to climate shocks. Many rural communities remain isolated due to poor road conditions and lack of resilient water and irrigation systems, limiting their access to markets, schools, and health services.
A view of the iconic Indonesian-era monument in Viqueque Vila, a historical landmark that stands as a reminder of the past. Viqueque is not only known for its cultural heritage—especially as the heartland of the Tetum Terik language, which helped shape Timor-Leste’s official Tetum. - but also for its untapped potential in agriculture, coastal fisheries, eco-tourism, and petroleum and gas resources.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
In response to these vulnerabilities, the Government of Timor-Leste, with funding support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is carrying out the multi-year project “Safeguarding Rural Communities and Their Physical Assets from Climate-Induced Disasters” which is being implemented in phases to strengthen the resilience of rural communities systematically protect critical physical infrastructure, and reduce the risks posed by climate-induced disasters through targeted adaptation measures and capacity-building initiatives.
A landscape view of the newly completed section of the rural road in Suco Ahic, stretching toward the mountain slopes. Once a major challenge for the community - especially during the rainy season - this road now provides safe, year-round access, connecting remote aldeias and improving daily life for hundreds of residents.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
In Viqueque, this initiative is already having a transformative impact. Through four major climate-resilient infrastructure interventions - three currently ongoing and one already completed - the project is directly benefiting more than 8,500 residents across four administrative posts. These interventions are not only improving access to essential services but also restoring community confidence and resilience. In Suco Ahic, Administrative Post of Lacluta, a 3.5-kilometer rural road is currently under rehabilitation. Once completed in August 2025, this road will provide year-round connectivity for over 1,200 people from five remote aldeias in Suco Ahic: Aldeia Ai Lo Oc (population: 240, 2015 census), Aldeia Cai Ua (185), Aldeia Crarec Bocu (195), Aldeia Hali Mean (505), and Aldeia Hali Oan (122). These communities have historically faced severe isolation during the rainy season.
was challenging to access basic services - ambulances couldn’t reach us, and people struggled to transport crops.” Most hauntingly, he remembered two incidents “in 2005 and again in 2022” when “newborns lost their lives” due to delayed medical access. “Now,” he said, “we feel our challenges have been addressed.” This road serves not only Ahic but also provides access to other communities, including Suco Laline, Uma Tolu, parts of Cribas, and people from Viqueque who use it as an alternative route to travel to Dili or Lais.
The newly rehabilitated road in Suco Ahic has brought significant improvements to daily life, especially for communities living in remote areas previously cut off during the rainy season. The road now provides safer, faster, and more reliable access to essential services and markets.
“Before the road was rehabilitated, it was extremely difficult for us to travel. The poor condition of the road - narrow, slippery, and full of potholes - made movement challenging, especially during the rainy season. At times, we couldn’t pass through at all, and it was impossible for the community to transport their produce to other areas. But now, with the road construction completed, we feel much better because the road is in good condition. In the past, it would take us an entire day to drive once to the Lacluta Post, but today we can make that trip three or four times in one day,” said Mr. Marcelo Caetano, a local driver who regularly uses the road to transport construction materials.
Mr. Marcelo Caetano in his truck, transporting gravel and construction materials along the newly built road in Ahic. The photo captures daily movement on the improved road, which now supports safer and more efficient transport for local residents and workers.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
In Suco Matahoi and Suco Uaitame, Administrative Post of Uatolari, the Belia 1 and 2 irrigation channels have been fully rehabilitated. The 1.95-kilometer system is now delivering reliable irrigation water to 2,117 residents, significantly improving agricultural productivity. Equipped with 11 water control gates, footbridges, gabion cascades, and erosion-control vegetation along its banks, the channel has reduced conflict over water access, stabilized production cycles, and enabled farmers to increase yields and income. These features mean farmers no longer have to rely on unpredictable rainfall, can grow crops year-round, and spend less time repairing damaged channels.
Mr. Armindo Fernandes planting mahogany trees in his backyard. Using a machete, he clears the grass surrounding the young saplings to protect their roots and support sustainable growth.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Meanwhile, in Suco Uaniuma and Irabin de Baixo, Administrative Post of Uatocarbau, a 1.92-kilometer irrigation system is under construction and is expected to be finalized by September 2024. The system includes masonry check dams, galvanized pipe outlets, and steel water gates, supported by nature-based features such as bamboo and vetiver planting for slope stabilization. It will directly benefit 2,243 residents by enhancing irrigation efficiency and introducing agroforestry practices that contribute to environmental restoration and long-term food security. Among the beneficiaries in Uatucarbau is Mr. Armindo Fernandes, a 75-year-old father of four, who shared that he received and planted around 500 mahogany trees on his land. He expressed his hope that in the future, his children and grandchildren will be able to benefit from the trees to support their economic needs. Another agroforestry beneficiary, Mrs. Isabel Pinto, a mother of five, has planted approximately 370 mahogany trees on her farmland. In addition to tree planting, Isabel is also a farmer who benefits from the Uatucarbau irrigation system rehabilitated by UNDP, which she uses on her land. In her interview, Isabel stated that she has already planted the trees in her backyard and will take care of them so that her children and future generations can make use of them. She has also explained that the trees help protect her soil from erosion during heavy rains and provide shade for her coffee plants, improving yields. “The trees don’t just grow for the future,” she said. “They are already helping me grow more food today.”
Mrs. Isabel Pinto stands beside one of the mahogany trees she planted in her backyard, now over one meter tall. Her goal is not only to cultivate her land, but to ensure that future generations can benefit from the trees.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
The Chief of Suco Uaniuma, Mr. Gabriel da Silva, explained that before the rehabilitation, the community struggled to bring water to their fields due to the long distances and low water pressure. "Before UNDP rehabilitated our irrigation system, it was difficult to channel water to our fields due to the distance and limited volume. But now the system is sufficient and able to reach all corners of our land." He added, "Thanks to UNDP and the support from the Government and Municipality, the community now benefits from this irrigation system that allows them to work their land productively even with climate variability."
In Suco Ossu de Cima, Administrative Post of Ossu, the development of a 2.55-kilometer rural water supply system is underway. The project, expected to be completed in March 2025, will provide clean, climate-resilient water access to 2,107 people across aldeias Baca-Isi, Belas, and Borala. The system includes spring protection, reinforced pipelines, reforestation of catchment areas, and erosion control to protect both infrastructure and water sources.
These nature-based and engineering measures are specifically designed to ensure reliable water access even during extreme weather. Reforestation helps maintain groundwater levels during droughts. At the same time, spring protection and erosion control prevent contamination and damage during heavy rains.
The water tank used to store and distribute clean water to communities in Borala, Suco Ossu de Cima. This tank is one of four built in the area and functions as a key reservoir, channeling water to households and supporting daily community needs.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Once operational, this system will significantly improve hygiene and sanitation and reduce the burden of water collection, especially for women and children. By minimizing disruptions caused by climate variability, the system enhances community resilience and supports long-term health and education outcomes.
Natalia da Costa, a 16-year-old secondary school student at Olocasa Secondary School, is one of twelve siblings in her household. She is also a beneficiary of the water supply system rehabilitated by UNDP. "We use the water for all our daily needs - drinking, watering plants, washing clothes, and more. Before the system was rehabilitated, we had to walk to fetch water from a spring far from our home. As students, especially girls, we had to wake up early to fetch water before school. But now the water is nearby - we no longer walk long distances or worry about fetching water before dawn," she explained. Her story reflects a broader transformation: with safe water now accessible at the community level, girls’ school attendance is expected to improve, and families can redirect time and energy from water collection toward education, livelihoods, and rest.
Natalia da Costa, a 16-year-old student at Olocasa Secondary School, collects water in a basin from a distribution point connected to the rehabilitated water tank system supported by UNDP.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
To ensure efficiency and quality in implementation, strong collaboration among local partners has been a cornerstone of the GCF - UNDP project’s success. The project continuously involves engineers and technical staff from key municipal departments - including the Municipal Service for Integrated Planning and Development (PDIM), Forestry, and the Municipal Service for Water, Sanitation and Environment (SMASA) - as well as relevant authorities from the Viqueque Municipality. This partnership model ensures that national and local expertise is fully integrated into every phase of the project, from planning to monitoring. This inclusive coordination approach guarantees that each infrastructure investment is not only technically sound but also aligned with the needs and realities of local communities. By embedding municipal staff in the supervision process, the project strengthens institutional capacity and promotes long-term sustainability beyond project completion. Mr. Isac da Silva Soares Pinto, an engineer with PDIM in Viqueque Municipality who has actively supervised project implementation, shared: "As an engineer from PDIM, I have been working together with the UNDP team to oversee construction works, especially physical infrastructure, and to coordinate with contractors throughout the project cycle. I’ve mainly focused on technical oversight to ensure that all activities follow established engineering procedures and standards. From my perspective during this supervision, all GCF-UNDP project activities in Viqueque - particularly water systems, roads, and irrigation - have been implemented following technical standards and are running successfully, providing direct benefits to the communities in each project site. “His firsthand involvement exemplifies how local technical leadership, when paired with international support, can deliver high-quality, climate-resilient infrastructure that communities trust and can maintain over time.
Mr. Isac da Silva Soares Pinto, an engineer from PDIM in Viqueque Municipality, opens the water valve at the main reservoir tank - one of the key distribution points supplying clean water to communities in Aldeia Borala, Suco Ossu de Cima.
These interventions are not only about building infrastructure - they are about addressing long-standing development gaps that have left communities vulnerable. Viqueque's residents face challenges that are deeply intertwined with climate risks, including inaccessible roads, unreliable water systems, and failing agricultural infrastructure. The GCF - UNDP project is designed to respond directly to these necessities. By providing resilient infrastructure, the project is ensuring that people can reach health facilities during the rainy season, that crops can be irrigated during dry months, and that water is available daily for household use. This integrated approach breaks the cycle of vulnerability by linking climate adaptation with basic service delivery, ultimately reducing poverty and improving quality of life in some of the most remote areas of Timor-Leste.
This work also reflects UNDP’s broader mission to support inclusive, sustainable development and climate resilience in Timor-Leste. By working closely with national and local authorities, suco leaders, and community members, the project ensures that interventions are not only technically effective but also socially inclusive and locally owned. Each infrastructure activity prioritizes the participation of women, persons with disabilities, and youth, creating both short-term employment and long-term capacity building. Local hiring practices have ensured that over 70% of construction labor comes from within the project communities, fostering economic inclusion and trust. Training is provided to local workers and community members, equipping them with the skills needed to maintain and manage the infrastructure beyond the project’s timeline. From masonry and pipeline maintenance to irrigation scheduling and forest conservation, these skills empower communities to become stewards of their development, ensuring that the benefits of the project endure for years to come.
ahogany is one of the tree species used in the GCF agroforestry system. The project also includes the distribution of other species such as teak, candlenut, tamarind, moringa, and bamboo, which help prevent erosion, increase biodiversity, and reduce ground temperatures.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
Nature-based solutions are central to the project’s approach. Techniques such as vetiver planting, bamboo check dams, gabion baskets, and agroforestry are being integrated into each intervention to stabilize slopes, restore ecosystems, and reduce erosion. These eco-engineering approaches not only protect physical assets from future climate impacts but also enhance biodiversity and environmental health in project areas. By using locally available materials and traditional ecological knowledge, these solutions are both cost-effective and culturally appropriate, increasing community acceptance and long-term maintenance. For example, vetiver grass, a deep-rooted and drought-resistant plant, anchors soil on steep slopes, while bamboo structures slow down water flow during heavy rains, preventing gully formation. Agroforestry goes beyond environmental benefits by providing households with future income from timber and non-timber forest products, linking ecological restoration directly to livelihood improvement.
A newly constructed water gate channels irrigation water from the main canal to nearby rice fields. Built under the GCF–UNDP project, this structure helps farmers control water flow more efficiently, improving crop growth and supporting year-round agricultural activities.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
As the four interventions in Viqueque approach completion in 2025, the municipality is emerging as a model for climate-resilient, community-driven development. The improvements are already visible: better roads are making travel safer and faster, irrigation is supporting multiple harvests, and new water systems are delivering daily benefits to households. But perhaps more importantly, communities themselves are becoming stronger, more united, and better equipped to face an uncertain climate future. Local committees have been formed to manage water systems and maintain irrigation channels, signaling a shift from dependency to self-reliance. Training programs and inclusive planning processes have empowered women, youth, and elders alike to take active roles in decision-making. This growing sense of ownership, combined with resilient infrastructure and restored ecosystems, means that Viqueque is not just adapting to climate change but is building a foundation for lasting, equitable development.
The President of Viqueque Municipality Authority, H.E. Francisco Cruz Simões de Gonzaga Soares, at his office, highlighting the importance of GCF–UNDP-supported interventions in improving access to rural roads, water systems, and irrigation infrastructure. His leadership reflects strong municipal commitment to building climate resilience and supporting inclusive development in remote communities.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
The President of the Viqueque Municipality Authority, H.E. Francisco Cruz Simões de Gonzaga Soares, stated in his interview that the support from GCF - UNDP has been invaluable, especially for remote areas such as roads, irrigation, and water access. Over the past two years, we have witnessed changes faced by our people, particularly through the projects implemented by GCF in rural communities. He noted that projects such as irrigation, roads, and water systems funded by GCF-UNDP have now enabled communities to gain better access to essential services. In many villages, what was once seasonal or non-existent connectivity has become year-round, transforming how people live, farm, and access healthcare and education. For example, farming plots are now utilizing irrigation systems, which have already benefited them. These interventions have helped improve their productivity and potential, bringing a shift toward modernized agricultural practices. From rain-fed subsistence plots to irrigated fields capable of multiple harvests, farmers are gaining confidence in their ability to adapt and thrive despite climate uncertainty. As an authority, he emphasized the importance of community and beneficiary collaboration with project implementers, stating: “Infrastructure alone is not enough when communities are involved from the start, they take ownership, maintain the systems, and ensure long-term success. This partnership model is the key to sustainable impact.”
With support from GCF and implementation led by UNDP, Viqueque is transitioning from a region of high climate vulnerability to one of resilience and opportunity. These investments are building more than infrastructure; they are laying the foundation for sustainable development and a better future for all. By integrating climate resilience, local knowledge, and inclusive governance, the project is proving that even the most remote areas can become engines of adaptive growth.
To date, the GCF-UNDP project in Viqueque has rehabilitated or is constructing a total of 9.92 kilometers of climate-resilient infrastructure, including roads, irrigation, and water systems. These interventions directly benefit more than 8,500 people across four administrative posts - Lacluta, Uatolari, Uatocarbau, and Ossu - ensuring better access, increased agricultural productivity, reliable water supply, and long-term resilience for rural communities most affected by climate change. As completion nears in 2025, the project is not only delivering physical assets but also inspiring hope, unity, and a renewed sense of agency among the people of Viqueque.
Landscape view of the rice fields in Natar Comuoli, Uatocarbau, which previously lacked access to irrigation water. Thanks to the GCF–UNDP project, these fields now benefit from a functioning irrigation system, allowing farmers to cultivate their land more effectively and improve agricultural productivity.
Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste
About the GCF–UNDP Project
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a global fund created to support developing countries in responding to the challenges of climate change. As the world’s largest dedicated climate fund, GCF was established under the UNFCCC to catalyze transformative, low-emission, and climate-resilient development in vulnerable nations, with a strong emphasis on country ownership, private sector engagement, and equitable access to climate finance.
In Timor-Leste, GCF has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement the project “Safeguarding Rural Communities and Their Physical Assets from Climate-Induced Disasters.”
The project aims to strengthen climate resilience through the construction and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure such as rural roads, irrigation systems, and water supply facilities.
Designed as a large-scale adaptation intervention, it targets some of the country's most climate-vulnerable communities, where poverty, geographic isolation, and exposure to extreme weather intersect to deepen risk. By integrating nature-based solutions and inclusive development principles, the GCF-UNDP project promotes sustainable livelihoods, reduces vulnerability, and builds long-term adaptive capacity in rural areas most impacted by climate change. It prioritizes gender-responsive planning, community-based management, and ecosystem-based adaptation, core elements of GCF’s investment criteria, ensuring that resilience is not only built into infrastructure but also into local institutions and social systems. As a result, the project supports Timor-Leste’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP) goals, advancing both national climate priorities and global climate resilience targets.
“This project is not just about building infrastructure - it’s about empowering communities, restoring ecosystems, and creating a foundation for lasting resilience and inclusive development.” GCF–UNDP Climate Resilience Project in Viqueque
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