Background:
According to the United
Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de
Janeiro, June 1992, there are currently two major environmental issues: global
warming and biodiversity. In East Timor
reconstruction requires the use of natural resources but unsustainable use and
exploitation will mean the irretrievable loss of biodiversity at the genetic,
species and ecosystem levels. To
prevent this, natural resource use must be ecologically, economically and
socially sustainable.
During the period of
Indonesian occupation and administration the government established a
biodiversity conservation policy for Indonesia that included East Timor,
however, it was never implemented.
Currently in East Timor the use of natural resources is vital for the
livelihood of the population.
Issues:
1. Under previous
administrations there was no institutional system or agency involved with or
responsible for biodiversity management.
2. Excessive
exploitation of natural resources in the past.
3. There is as yet
no assessment, identification or classification of natural resources within
East Timor.
4. Funding and other
resources are required to facilitate assessment etc.
5. The community is
reliant on the use of natural resources and must be involved, consulted and
educated on sustainable resource use.
Actions:
1. Undertake
inventory of natural resources including assessment, identification and
classification.
2. Development of
regulations and law enforcement.
3. Government to
develop policies regarding conservation, development and sustainable use of
natural resources.
4. Community
involvement, participation and education – bottom-up approach.
5. Maintain
relationships with international and local agencies (NGOs, Governments,
non-government agencies, civil society etc).