Context
In recent years, the island state of Timor-Leste has become increasingly exposed to the effects of climate change. A lack of awareness on the part of the population about the potentially adverse impacts of climate change exacerbates the dangers it poses. At the same time, the country’s capacity to respond is limited by a shortage of financial and human resources.
As most people are dependent on subsistence farming, they are extremely vulnerable to the risks caused by changes in the climate. Problems such as erosion, soil degradation and a falling water table are made worse by unsustainable natural resource management practices.
Objective
Communities vulnerable to climate change in selected sub-districts have learned to cope with its adverse effects by managing their natural resources sustainably.
Approach
This programme, which is funded by the European Union, is tied to a regional GIZ programme, ‘Coping with climate change in the Pacific island region’. Together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) and with Portuguese development cooperation, GIZ is working to promote appropriate climate change adaptation practices, based on an integrated approach to watershed management.
After mobilising the communities in a participatory, inclusive and conflict-sensitive process, the programme creates awareness about the potential risks. It shares reliable climate change information with decision-makers, and encourages the mainstreaming of adaptation approaches in local planning activities. In the long run, a range of proven adaptation activities will be incorporated into the village development plans.
GIZ is providing support for water and soil conservation activities, and for forest protection and re-forestation measures, particularly in the upland areas. A watershed management policy will be developed and implemented in the selected target areas.
Results
Vulnerability assessments have been carried out in nine villages, with the participation of local authorities and famers. By contributing to this process, the villagers involved have gained greater awareness about the problems they face.
With the support of the programme, the agro-meteorological department of MAF has completed an assessment of its need for additional capacities. Based on this, it has already drawn up a strategic development plan, and an annual action plan.
For the first time, communities have the benefit of maps showing the distribution of different soils, and the programme has informed them of current climate change predictions. These sources of information help them to improve and adapt their land-use planning.
At an institutional level, key officials have received training to help them promote climate change adaptation practices. New methods are also currently being field tested.