In a significant step toward building sustainable livelihoods and improving climate resilience in Timor-Leste, World Vision Timor-Leste (WVTL) and Fundação Carbon Offset Timor (F-COTI), funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with World Vision Australia, NatureCo, and FarmTree, launched the Enhance Agroforestry for Resilient Timorese Households (EARTH) Project in Timor Plaza on 11 March 2025.
The EARTH Project aims to support 4,000 people in Covalima, Manatuto, Manufahi and RAEOA by strengthening agroforestry practices that improve food security, increase income opportunities, and promote sustainable land management. The initiative will focus on introducing climate-resilient agricultural techniques, restoring degraded land, and empowering women and youth to play a key role in household and community decision-making.
To ensure effective implementation, project partners organized a start-up workshop, bringing together relevant government officials, technical experts, and community representatives to align on project compliance, technical strategies, and gender-inclusive approaches in agroforestry. Key government representatives also shared their perspectives on how the EARTH Project aligns with national priorities for economic growth, environmental protection, and rural development.
Dr. Jared Berends, National Director of World Vision Timor-Leste, highlighted the significance of the EARTH Project, stating, “This initiative is a key step in strengthening livelihoods and climate resilience in Timor-Leste.” The project aims to enhance food security, economic stability, and environmental sustainability by promoting community-led agroforestry, climate-smart farming, women’s empowerment, and improved market access. Through these efforts, the project ensures inclusive growth and supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers in the region.
Iotam Lerer, Head of Cooperation at EU Delegation to Timor Leste, reinforced the EU’s commitment to supporting sustainable development. “We are here today because we want to highlight our commitment for making a difference in this country, in particular through our support on the project to enhance agroforestry that align with the Government’s strategy and to deliver tangible benefits to the people of Timor-Leste,” he said.
Representing the State Secretary for Forestry, Director General for Forestry, Mr. Hermenegildo de Almeida Granadeiro emphasized the need to balance tree planting with food security. “Agroforestry integrates forestry and agriculture. We must not focus solely on tree planting for the carbon market while neglecting food security. In line with ‘forests and food,’ this project should highlight the connection between forests and food security while promoting sustainable agroforestry with both economic and environmental benefits.”
Over the next five years, the Enhanced Agroforestry for Resilient Timorese Households (EARTH) project aims to increase food and income security and ensure sustainable and equitable benefits for 4,000 Timorese women and men, including youth and other vulnerable groups directly, through a thriving climate-resilient agroforestry sector in the municipalities of Manufahi, Manatuto, Covalima and RAEOA.