Throughout June 2025, CTC in collaboration with local and national partners, actively participated in a series of events to commemorate World Oceans Day and Sea Turtle Day in Timor-Leste. These celebrations highlighted the importance of marine conservation and strengthened community involvement in protecting marine ecosystems.

On June 3, CTC and local NGO Lenuk Tasi co-hosted a vibrant World Oceans Day celebration at the Likisa Samba Sembilan Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Ulmera Suco. The event featured interactive and educational activities including a public dissemination on the importance of MPAs, a guided turtle tour, a beach cleanup, and the release of baby turtles. A total of 153 participants attended, including representatives from the National Maritime Authority, teachers, students, youth groups, NGOs, council members, and local community members.

This community-based event marked a shift from previous celebrations held in Dili, bringing marine conservation awareness directly to a coastal village. In his remarks, a representative from the local council emphasized, “Today we celebrate and conserve, for our future generations and our children.” The warm reception from participants reflected a growing sense of ownership and pride in marine protection efforts.

Continuing the momentum, CTC participated in the Marine Tourism Fair on June 8 in Dili, organized by the Ministry of Tourism as part of the national World Oceans Day festivities. The event gathered key stakeholders from government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and tourism-related sectors. CTC’s booth attracted a wide range of visitors, offering an opportunity to share information about its marine programs and foster discussions on sustainable marine tourism and conservation.

The celebration concluded with Sea Turtle Day on June 16, organized by Lenuk Tasi with support from CTC. Held again in the Samba Sembilan MPA, the event welcomed a diverse group of participants, including officials from the Bazartete administration, the General Directorate of Land and Maritime Boundaries, dive centers, NGOs such as Care International and FFDT, Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA), and members of the local community and Ulmera tribe. During the event, CTC delivered a presentation on the significance of the Samba Sembilan MPA, sharing insights into its benefits, conservation goals, and the challenges of managing marine protected areas in Timor-Leste.

These events reflect the growing collaboration between government agencies and local communities to protect marine biodiversity and promote sustainable ocean stewardship across the Coral Triangle region.

Writer : Kayla Azzahra
Photos : Egi Boavida/CTC, Lenuk Tasi