IOM backs Timor-Leste reforestation initiative.
Dili, 23 February 2010 - IOM deployed ten trucks to support a national reforestation campaign launched as part of the government's Dili City of Peace programme.
The trucks were used to transport over 20,000 saplings and some 4,000 school children from Camea to Dili, where ten hillsides near the capital are suffering from extensive deforestation. Up to 80,000 trees will be replanted in the areas.
Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta launched the campaign at a national event attended by over 10,000 people, including representatives of the government, international organizations, NGOs, local communities and school children – each of whom planted a sapling in one of the ten areas.
The campaign aims to educate the public and raise awareness of the need to protect the environment of Timor-Leste, as well as providing opportunities to strengthen the unity of communities in Dili.
Several Dili neighbourhoods suffer from flash floods during the rainy season, when the run-off from surrounding hills flood homes and damage crops. There have also been a number of land slides from hillsides adjoining roads. Planting trees in these areas will decrease the run-off and stabilise the soil.
The national reforestation campaign is just one initiative from the President's Dili City of Peace campaign. Its objective is to foster peaceful conditions to support national stability in Timor-Leste, following the civil unrest and displacement of 2006.
Other initiatives have included the successful cycle Tour de Timor in October 2009, for which IOM also provided logistical support, and the Dili Marathon, which will take place in June this year.
For more information, please contact Katharine Bryant at IOM Dili. Email: kbryant@iom.int, or Tel. +670 723 0254.
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OIM/IOM Apoia Timór-Leste ninia Inisiativa Kuda Ai-horis
OIM Dili hatún kamiaun sanulu horiseik atu apoia kampaña nasionál kuda ai-horis ne'ebé lansa ona nu'udar parte ida hosi Prezidente ninia programa Dili Sidade Paz.
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