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News
- admin
- 17 Sep 2012
The residents of two Timor-Leste communities, Batugade and Atauro, will soon be able to prepare their communities for the potential impacts of climate change on their own. This effort aligns with the goals of the Coral Triangle Initiative’s Regional Plan of Action.
With support from the Australian Government, the WorldFish Center is helping Timor-Leste’s coastal communities assess how vulnerable they are to climate change. Through this funding, WorldFish is also helping the people of Batugade and Atauro develop plans to assist their communities in adapting to climate pressures.
The project aims to improve climate adaptation programs in Timor-Leste by identifying coastal communities and ecosystems vulnerable to climate change, making adaptation efforts and funding more strategic and targeted. WorldFish will work closely with local stakeholders in Batugade and Atauro to achieve this goal through:
- Mapping areas vulnerable to the effects of climate change
- Collecting baseline data to measure future impacts
- Community engagement and consultation
Foundational data collection, capacity development, and networking will provide a baseline for comparison with future climate impacts, as well as a platform for planning and responding to these changes. The initiative will also identify areas that require targeted investment in adaptation measures, ultimately benefiting local livelihoods, food security, and poverty reduction in both the short and long term.
A review of existing information on coastal resource management and livelihoods in Timor-Leste was recently completed. This review covered existing laws and strategies, past and current projects, and aspects of coastal and environmental governance related to climate change. The findings will inform subsequent project activities, including vulnerability mapping, which is expected to be completed by mid-2012.