G-SIG Successfully Conducts Experience-Sharing and Lessons-Learned Workshop on Community-Based Resilience Building in Dili
Dili, Timor-Leste | 18 August 2026 — G-SIG, with the support of UNDP Timor-Leste, successfully conducted an Experience-Sharing and Lessons-Learned Workshop on Community-Based Resilience Building in Dili, marking an important milestone in the implementation and conclusion of the Community-Based Resilience Building Programme. The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the Dili Municipal Authority, the Municipal Service for Water, Sanitation and Environment of Dili, the Civil Protection Authority, and local authorities from Suco Manleuana, Kampung Alor, and Motael. Community members, youth representatives, and other relevant stakeholders also participated in the event.
The workshop provided a platform to share achievements, experiences, good practices, challenges, and lessons learned throughout the implementation of the Community-Based Resilience Building Programme. The initiative focused on strengthening community resilience through the integration of community-based waste mapping, mobile-based reporting using the Ushahidi platform, drone technology for high-resolution imagery, participatory mapping, and community discussions on potential flood and environmental risks. One of the key aspects of the programme was the use of geospatial technology to support communities and local authorities in better understanding their surrounding environment. Through participatory activities, communities contributed their local knowledge to identify waste-related issues, flood-prone areas, vulnerable locations, and other environmental challenges affecting their communities. Drone imagery and mapping technologies were also used to generate detailed spatial information and support the development of community-based baseline data.
The workshop was officially opened by Mr. Filomino Smith, Secretary of Integrated Development Investment Planning of the Dili Municipal Authority. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of maps and data in supporting community awareness, local development planning, and broader municipal and national development. He encouraged communities from the three target sucos to take advantage of the initiatives introduced through the programme and to continue using the available information and tools to support their future development priorities. He also recognized the contribution of youth-led initiatives such as G-SIG in using technology and data to address real challenges faced by communities. The opening session was also attended by Mr. Pedo Godinho dos Santos Marçal da Costa, Representative of UNDP Timor-Leste, who expressed appreciation for the work carried out by G-SIG. He highlighted the importance of supporting youth-led organizations with technical skills and innovative approaches that can bring practical benefits to communities.
Throughout the workshop, participants exchanged experiences and reflected on the importance of connecting community-generated information with practical action and institutional coordination. Participants also had the opportunity to explore the project's achievements through a dedicated exhibition featuring maps, stand banners, booklets, QR Codes, and other information materials prepared by the G-SIG team. The workshop concluded with a shared recognition that technology and mapping can play an important role in strengthening community resilience when combined with local knowledge, community participation, and strong collaboration between communities, local authorities, and relevant institutions.
G-SIG Timor-Leste extends its sincere appreciation to UNDP Timor-Leste for its continuous support throughout the implementation of this initiative. The successful completion of the programme represents not only the conclusion of a project but also an important foundation for continued collaboration and future community-led initiatives that use geospatial information, technology, and local knowledge to build safer and more resilient communities in Dili.
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