600 Trees Planted in Ulmera, Liquiça to Celebrate Independence and Protect Coastal Communities
A total of 600 tree seedlings have been successfully planted in Ulmera Suku, Liquiça Municipality, as part of a meaningful environmental initiative led by G-SIG Timor-Leste.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Timor-Leste’s Proclamation of Independence, G-SIG Timor-Leste, in collaboration with the Community of OpenStreetMap Timor-Leste and Grupo Habelun Ai-Parapa (Mangrove Friends Group), organized a mangrove tree planting activity along the coastal area of Suco Ulmera. This initiative aimed not only to celebrate this historic milestone but also to raise awareness about the critical role of Mangrove trees play in protecting coastal communities and addressing the impacts of climate change.
Promoting Climate Action Through Youth Engagement
The primary objective of this activity was to promote environmental protection and strengthen community resilience. By planting Mangrove trees along the coastline, the initiative contributes to reducing coastal erosion, improving biodiversity, and enhancing natural protection against climate-related hazards.
During the opening remarks, the Executive President of G-SIG emphasized that this initiative reflects the commitment of young people to safeguarding the environment:
The trees we plant today are not only to celebrate the Proclamation of Independence Day, but also represent our contribution as young people to protect our coastal areas from the impacts of climate change. We all have a responsibility to continue monitoring and caring for these trees as they grow.
Community Appreciation and Collaboration
Mr. Veríssimo das Neves, Head of the Grupo Habelun Ai-Parapa (Mangrove Friends Group), expressed his appreciation for the collaboration:
We are very grateful for your initiative to come and plant trees in our area. We hope there will be more activities like this in the future to protect our coastal environment and support our community, especially our elderly members and women who live here.
The activity brought together members of the Ulmera community, the Grupo Habelun Ai-Parapa (Mangrove Friends Group) members, the Ocean Youth Group, and the Community OpenStreetMap Timor-Leste, along with university students from Dili. Their active participation and enthusiasm highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
Looking Ahead
G-SIG Timor-Leste extends its sincere appreciation to all participants for their dedication and contribution to this initiative. Special thanks are also extended to the Youth Climate Justice Fund for their continued support in empowering youth-led climate actions through G-SIG. Through these initiatives, G-SIG remains committed to promoting sustainable practices and strengthening the resilience of coastal communities across Timor-Leste.
