Global Climate Change Alliance support programme to Timor-Leste
Due to the strong reliance on subsistence agriculture, the coping mechanisms of rural communities in Timor-Leste are being severely tested by unpredicted climate events. The effects of climate change are putting an additional strain on communities, particularly in rural areas, by exacerbating existing food security issues, accelerating the degradation of natural resources and increasing the probability of natural disasters, notably landslides and flash floods, as well as of internal conflicts over resources. Deforestation is also a major concern: as a result of destructive conversion for agricultural purposes, overexploitation of valuable species and use of wood as a domestic fuel by 90% of the households, it is estimated that forest cover has decreased by almost 30% between 1990 and 2010. This corresponds to a rate of deforestation of about 1.2% a year.
The main problem of the rural populations in Timor-Leste is to sustain their livelihoods and satisfy their primary needs, as they are dealing with a particularly fragile agro-ecological context and a weak rural economy. Climate change is expected to exacerbate their vulnerability even more in the future. Consequently the action focuses on activities that have a direct impact on the communities’ lives, providing a better understanding of threats and appropriate responses.
The main problem of the rural populations in Timor-Leste is to sustain their livelihoods and satisfy their primary needs, as they are dealing with a particularly fragile agro-ecological context and a weak rural economy. Climate change is expected to exacerbate their vulnerability even more in the future. Consequently the action focuses on activities that have a direct impact on the communities’ lives, providing a better understanding of threats and appropriate responses.
Overall Objective |
Specific Objectives |
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Contribute to the sustainable well-being of rural communities in Timor-Leste.
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Improve the capacity of populations vulnerable to climate change risks to cope with climate change effects through the sustainable management of their natural resources and the improvement of their livelihood options. This will be achieved using local development mechanisms taking social inclusion and conflict management into account.
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Main expected results and activities
Weather monitoring is made reliable in all 13 districts; climate effects on agricultural production and the environment are better known; the results of regular agro-meteorological analysis are made accessible to the rural producers; and the consequent findings support the definition of evidence-based national policies.
Rural communities are able to identify adapted responses to climate challenges; these responses are incorporated into suco (village) development plans in at least 50% of sub-districts identified as vulnerable to climate change risks, in a socially inclusive way.
The resilience of rural communities living in at least 50% of sub-districts identified as vulnerable to climate change risks is enhanced through the restoration of their environment, the implementation of sustainable livelihood development activities and improved social dialogue.
Rural communities are able to identify adapted responses to climate challenges; these responses are incorporated into suco (village) development plans in at least 50% of sub-districts identified as vulnerable to climate change risks, in a socially inclusive way.
The resilience of rural communities living in at least 50% of sub-districts identified as vulnerable to climate change risks is enhanced through the restoration of their environment, the implementation of sustainable livelihood development activities and improved social dialogue.
Partners |
Contat person |