· Deforestation · Forest burning · eneven distribution of water resources · Poor water quality and poor health · Lack of testing laboratory · protecting water catchment areas around
the city – poor water quality in Dili · 7 areas lacking water · Climate change · Need training for management of water
resources · Control import and use of chemicals · Need legislation and fines for polluters
(traditional and government) · Falling water table · Lack of information about water quantity and
quality · Salination of coastal groundwater · Over extraction of water from ground
water – by pumps.
PRIORITY
ISSUES
|
STRATEGIES |
|
Deforestation and deliberate burning of forests- bare
earth, erosion, landslide and reduced water availability |
·
Education programs involving local people ·
More sustainable farming practices and land use |
|
Poor water quality and poor human health (water borne
disease) |
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN:
· Short term -
treatment of water (eg boiling) and alternative sources eg rainwater
harvesting · Medium term –
fence livestock and poultry out of water supply catchment, install sanitation
and hygiene education · Long term –
village level through to whole catchment protection (erosion control and
reforestation) |
|
Protecting water catchments in urban areas |
· Reforestation · Set up common
land forestry to head off private land struggles · Need a strong
forestry department |
|
Lack of effective legislation to protect water resources |
· Laws to
prevent water pollution by mining and industry · Strengthen the
role of traditional law in preventing deforestation and pollution · Need a strong
a well resourced Forestry Unit |