Timor-Leste President Taur Matan Ruak recently credited the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) with improving the lives of coastal communities in his country, enhancing food security, empowering communities in managing their resources, promoting eco-tourism, supporting economic development, and advancing scientific and technological approaches to the study of its marine resources.

Mr. Ruak made the statement on July 19  in a speech delivered for him by his chief of staff during the showcase program of USAID’s Coral Triangle Support Partnership (CTSP) in Dili. The event marked the five-year implementation the CTI – a multilateral partnership between Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste – in conserving and sustaining marine resources under common regional and national goals. 

At the event President Ruak thanked the US Government for its support, asking, “Ambassador Judith Fergin to convey to the government and the people of the United States our gratitude for the decisive support given to this pioneering initiative of the Coral Triangle. This support is contributing towards making the protection and conservation of the biological diversity of a unique region of our planet a reality.”

Since 2009, USAID has worked with the Timor-Leste government and local communities to strengthen climate change resilience and develop Marine Protected areas and no-take zones where fishing is restricted to allow for the replenishment of fish stock. To find out more about USAID’s marine conservation work in Timor-Leste, watch this video.

Upper Right Photo:  President's Chief of Staff, delivers the President's speech
Lower Left Photo: (L-R) USAID Head of Mission Paul Randolph, US Ambassador Judith Fergin, Timor-Leste Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Mariano Assanami Sabino, President's Chief of Staff , and Australian Ambassador Miles Armitage at the CTSP Showcase Program
Photo Credits:Bernadino Soares/USAID CTSP