Coral Triangle Center (CTC) concluded the final DISKON (Diskusaun Konservasaun) session of 2025 on December 22, 2025, marking the end of a year-long outreach journey dedicated to strengthening marine conservation awareness and community engagement across in Timor-Leste. The final session was held with the Suco (village) Council of Ulmera, Liquiçá Municipality, one of the key areas within the Samba Sembilan Marine Protected Area (MPA).

DISKON (Diskusaun Konservasaun), meaning Conservation Discussion, is a CTC program aimed at promoting awareness and engagement in marine conservation across Timor-Leste. This final session brought together 26 participants, including the Xefe Suco (village leader), Xefe Aldeia (sub-village head), and all members of the Suco Council. During the discussion, CTC presented the importance of establishing and managing MPAs in Timor-Leste, with a specific focus on the role of the Samba Sembilan MPA in protecting marine ecosystems while supporting local livelihoods. The presentation also highlighted the importance of community leadership and local governance in ensuring effective and sustainable MPA management.

This final DISKON session not only closed the year on a positive note but also laid a solid foundation for continued collaboration in the coming year. Throughout 2025, the 11-series DISKON program reached approximately 550 participants from diverse backgrounds, including community leaders, youth groups, volunteers, and local stakeholders across Timor-Leste. These outreach efforts demonstrate CTC’s continued commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue, strengthening local capacity, and ensuring that marine conservation initiatives are well understood and supported by the communities who depend on these ecosystems.

By closing the year with strong community engagement in Ulmera, CTC highlights its dedication to advancing sustainable marine resource management and building long-term partnerships for the protection of Timor-Leste’s rich marine biodiversity.

Writers: Adam Putra, Marthen Welly, Ernestina Andrade
Photos: Rili Djohani/CTC, Ernestina Andrade/CTC