Timor-Leste Commits to SDG 14 and Ocean Conservation: Highlights from UN Ocean Conference and World Ocean Day 2025

Timor-Leste Commits to SDG 14, Urges Global Action to Protect Oceans

At the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025, Timor-Leste reaffirmed its strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) — Life Below Water — which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. Represented by Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, who also serves as Minister of Tourism and Environment and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Timor-Leste actively participated in plenary sessions and panel discussions, emphasizing the critical importance of marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable ocean management.

Timor-Leste highlighted its National Strategic Development Plan (2011–2030) and national biodiversity action plan as frameworks guiding the protection and sustainable use of its rich marine ecosystems. The country has already established significant marine protected areas, including the Nino Konis Santana National Park on Jaco Island and protected zones around Atauro Island, both recognized for their exceptional coral diversity and marine life. These efforts align with the global target to conserve and protect 30 percent of the ocean by 2030.

The delegation underscored the government’s Blue Economy Program, which prioritizes ecosystem restoration through mangrove rehabilitation, coral reef recovery, and coastal protection. These initiatives aim to enhance marine ecosystem resilience while supporting sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.

Timor-Leste also called for enhanced international cooperation and financial support, particularly from major nations, to assist developing countries in capacity-building, waste and coastal management, and biodiversity conservation. The delegation stressed the disproportionate impact of marine pollution, especially plastic waste, on small island developing states like Timor-Leste. In response, the government has launched coastal cleanup programs and declared an annual Ocean Week to raise awareness and mobilize action against marine pollution.

Sustainable fisheries management was another key focus, with Timor-Leste advocating for support to its over 6,000 small-scale fishers, most of whom use traditional methods. The government is working closely with fishing communities to provide training in coastal zone management, establish protected areas, and promote sustainable fishing practices to combat illegal fishing and ensure long-term economic benefits.

Vice Prime Minister Kalbuadi Lay emphasized that ocean challenges transcend national boundaries and require collective global action. He called for solidarity with small island developing states to ensure a just transition and respect for international rights and obligations. Timor-Leste expressed gratitude to the United Nations and the governments of France and Costa Rica for hosting the conference and facilitating a platform to accelerate ocean conservation efforts worldwide.

The 2025 UN Ocean Conference, themed “Accelerating Action and Mobilizing All Stakeholders to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean,” reinforced the urgent need to address marine pollution, ocean acidification, overfishing, and ecosystem degradation. Timor-Leste’s active participation and commitments at the conference demonstrate its leadership role in advancing SDG 14 and safeguarding the ocean’s health for future generations.

Timor-Leste’s National Initiatives and Public Engagement during World Ocean Day 2025 and Ocean Week

In June 2025, Timor-Leste undertook a comprehensive series of government-led activities to mark World Ocean Day and the broader Ocean Week, reflecting its strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) on life below water. The celebrations, held from June 1 to 8 across the capital Dili and multiple municipalities including Aileu, Ainaru, Baucau, Ermera, Lautem, Manatuto, Manufahi, and the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse, showcased a vibrant blend of environmental awareness, community participation, and sustainable development initiatives.

A landmark event was the first-ever government-led “Dili Ocean Parade” on June 7, which transformed Dili’s coastline into a colorful and dynamic procession celebrating the ocean’s importance. Organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment with support from the Land and Maritime Boundary Office, the parade featured thousands of participants from government agencies, NGOs, community groups, educational institutions, and the private sector. Participants donned ocean-themed costumes and decorated vehicles, promoting messages of marine conservation, sustainable resource use, and national pride. The parade was officially opened by President José Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, and Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, underscoring the high-level government commitment to ocean stewardship.

Complementing the parade, the Ocean Week program included extensive coastal cleanups, particularly targeting plastic pollution, which disproportionately affects small island nations like Timor-Leste. The government declared Ocean Week as a dedicated period for cleaning the seas, mobilizing communities to remove marine debris and raise awareness about pollution’s impacts. Youth engagement was a central focus, with students and young leaders actively participating in environmental education programs, workshops on plastic pollution, and ecosystem restoration projects.

Significant ecosystem restoration efforts were undertaken, including mangrove rehabilitation and coral reef recovery initiatives, particularly on Ataúro Island. Activities such as the traditional ‘Tara Bandu’ fishing management ceremonies in Suku Makili and Biqueli promoted sustainable fisheries practices rooted in local customs. The launch of the “Green School” initiative in Uaro-Ana aimed to integrate environmental education into early childhood learning, while the formation of community environmental brigades in Beloi empowered local monitoring and protection of coastal ecosystems.

The government also promoted sustainable fisheries management by supporting over 6,000 small-scale fishers, many using traditional methods, through training in coastal zone management and awareness campaigns on sustainable species consumption. These efforts align with Timor-Leste’s Blue Economy Program, which seeks to balance economic development with marine biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

Cultural presentations, including traditional dances and caravans, were held in various municipalities to celebrate the country’s maritime heritage and strengthen community bonds around ocean conservation. The week concluded with the Blue Economy Marine Tourism Fair at the Dili Convention Center, showcasing opportunities for sustainable tourism, local entrepreneurship, and creative industries linked to the ocean.

Overall, Timor-Leste’s World Ocean Day 2025 and Ocean Week activities demonstrated a holistic approach combining public engagement, environmental restoration, youth empowerment, and sustainable economic development. These initiatives reinforce the nation’s pledge to protect its rich marine biodiversity and promote sustainable ocean management for current and future generations.

Leadership Messages and Global Advocacy: Timor-Leste’s Call for Collective Ocean Protection

During the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, and the World Ocean Day 2025 celebrations, Timor-Leste’s top leaders delivered powerful messages emphasizing the critical importance of collective action to safeguard the world’s oceans.

President José Ramos-Horta highlighted the ocean’s fundamental role in sustaining life on Earth, describing it as a source of wonder and a lifeline that connects continents, cultures, and countless species. He warned of escalating threats such as rising ocean temperatures, plastic pollution, overfishing, and acidification, which jeopardize marine biodiversity and the very systems that support humanity. President Horta called for a renewed sense of responsibility and unity, urging both Timorese citizens and the global community to reimagine their relationship with the ocean as one of reciprocity rather than exploitation. He stressed that protecting the ocean is not only an environmental imperative but a deeply human one, essential for future generations.

Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, who also serves as Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, reinforced Timor-Leste’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) on “Life Below Water.” He underscored the nation’s position as a small island developing state at the forefront of ocean conservation efforts, both nationally and internationally. Kalbuadi Lay called for enhanced international cooperation, particularly financial and technical support from major nations, to assist developing countries in marine biodiversity conservation, sustainable fisheries management, and pollution reduction. He highlighted Timor-Leste’s initiatives, including marine protected areas and ecosystem restoration projects, while advocating for global solidarity with small island developing states to ensure a just transition and respect for international rights and obligations.

Together, President Horta and Vice Prime Minister Kalbuadi Lay’s statements conveyed a unified vision: the ocean’s health is a shared responsibility requiring global solidarity, innovation, and inclusive action. Their leadership underscores Timor-Leste’s dedication to protecting marine ecosystems and advancing sustainable ocean governance as vital components of the nation’s development and the planet’s future.