Author: Anne

Lead by: Phillip M. Young, Key Experts & Agricultural Economist

COWI’s PPIP Forestry Project Design Team, conducted three capacity building and project design workshops for the Timor-Leste Commercial Forestry Project (TLCFP).

The workshops covered a range of forestry-related topics. Firstly, participants were introduced to the Savings Book Approach, which offers support to smallholder forestry investors during the early stages of tree growth, taking inspiration from successful implementations in Vietnam. This approach will be adapted and applied to the context of Timor-Leste. Additionally, there was a presentation on the Design, Costing, Analysis, and Impact of TLCFP, focusing on the benefits for both smallholder and commercial forestry investors, as well as the project’s implications for the economy of Timor-Leste. Lastly, a presentation on the relative importance of the three main forest tree products (firewood, high-value timber, and carbon credits) and the proposed smallholder support programs was shared.

The workshops attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including HE Fernandino Vieira da Costa from the Secretary of State for Forestry, Dr. Iotam Lerer and other representatives from the European Union Delegation, the Chief of Cabinet SoS Forestry, and several other esteemed participants.

Mr. Philip Young, PPIP’s Team Leader and Economist, acknowledged the significance of these workshops, as they provided an opportunity to discuss the establishment of a commercial forest industry in Timor-Leste. He expressed gratitude for the active participation and valuable contributions that were made throughout the sessions. The PPIP team is pleased to announce that the TLCFP Feasibility Study Report has been drafted and delivered to the European Investment Bank for review and feedback.

Two public consultation meetings were conducted in Timor-Leste for the two solid waste management projects; Integrated Solid Waste Management System; and Health Care Risk Waste Management System. The meetings aimed at informing stakeholders about the ongoing environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA). The meetings provided an opportunity to discuss the project’s scope and potential impacts with attendees, including government officials, project consultants, and representatives from local communities.

The meetings took place in Ainaro Municipality and in the Vemasse District. The project team presented detailed information regarding the proposed landfill sites and their potential environmental and social impacts. Key issues covered included soil erosion; air and water pollution; and biodiversity disturbance.

The discussions cantered around four main topics: the extent of the projects; environmental concerns, including impact on groundwater, rivers and seawater; grievance mechanisms; and reputational impact on the area of the landfill.

The project consultants addressed concerns by explaining the mitigation measures planned to minimize adverse effects whilst also assuring the grievance mechanisms would be set up before project implementation. Local government representatives and community members attended the meetings, with a notable presence of more than 20% of women participants. This inclusive approach ensured diverse perspectives were considered during the discussions.

Project insights, by key expert for solid waste management Jan Skaaja

Fieldwork was conducted between February and April of 2024. Collaborating with local and national authorities, the PPIP Consultant has identified two suitable sites for regional landfills. One site is located in Vemasse, approximately 20 km west of Baucau and 40 km east of Manatuto, along the main road. The other site is in Cassa, approximately 17 km south of Ainaro town. These sites have received confirmation and approval from key stakeholders, including local authorities.

To design and establish safe and reliable landfill facilities, it is necessary to make thorough geotechnical investigations. From February to April 2024, in-situ investigations and geotechnical laboratory analyses are being carried out. This includes drilling four boreholes at each proposed landfill site, reaching a depth of 20 meters below the ground surface. Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) are being conducted at regular intervals in non-cohesive soils, while disturbed and relatively undisturbed soil samples are collected based on encountered soil strata. Standpipe Piezometers are being installed, allowing for the measurement of static groundwater table levels and subsequent water analysis. Relevant laboratory tests on soil samples are being performed to determine the engineering and index properties of the foundation soils. Additionally, chemical analyses are being carried out on selected soil samples. The outcome of these comprehensive geotechnical investigations will be two Geotechnical Reports, providing information for the continued progress of the solid waste management projects.

Stakeholder meeting 3^rd of April 2024, lead by:  Jan Skaaja, key expert for solid waste management

A stakeholder meeting for the Health Care Risk Waste Management project was conducted on 3 April 2024. The focus of the meeting was to confirm suitable sites for both Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF) and Health Care Risk Waste (HCRW) treatment facilities. These facilities are necessary to handle the region’s healthcare-related waste effectively.

The meeting included insightful presentations, a detailed Q&A session to address any concerns and collect input from participants. As a result, a consensus was reached on identifying a prime location in Suco Metinaro. This site will serve as the nucleus for the central MRF and regional HCRW treatment facility, significantly advancing the project’s aim to enhance environmental health practices in Timor-Leste.

Several stakeholders attended the meeting, including the President of Dili Municipal Authority, Mr. Saldanho; the Director of Dili SMASA, Mr. Godinho; representatives from the MPIE; Suco chiefs; and others.

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Stakeholder meeting on 12^th of March 2024, Lead by:  Jan Skaaja, key expert for solid waste management

A comprehensive stakeholder meeting was convened as an essential step in the solid waste management projects. The meeting took place in Suco Vemasse (Baucau Municipality) and gathered key participants from local communities, including the Administrator of the Vemasse Administrative Post, the Director of the Planning Agency of Baucau Municipality, project coordinators, and citizens.

The agenda covered multiple aspects of the project, fostering an informative and collaborative atmosphere. During the meeting, Mr. Cosme Henrique da Costa Saldanha of Ministry of State Administration (MSA), along with other presenters, introduced the project and its goals, including a presentation on sanitary landfilling and the plans for the Vemasse landfill.

Key topics of discussion included the alignment of the sanitary landfill with the surrounding landscape, the potential generation of gas from the waste both currently and within the landfill, the cost-benefit ratio of the project, opportunities for local employment, and other associated benefits. Additionally, there were discussions about the protection of soil, water, and other environmental issues, underscoring the significance placed on sustainable and environmentally responsible waste management practices.

The general conclusion of the meeting was an overwhelming acceptance of the proposed project in general and acceptance of the location of the sanitary landfill in Vemasse in particular.

Workshop 16th of February 2024, at the EU Conference Centre.

Lead by: Phillip M. Young, Key Experts & Agricultural Economist

Within The Project Preparation & Implementation Programme for Timor Leste (PPIP) project’s forestry sector, significant efforts have been dedicated to the preparation of the Feasibility Study; “Expanding tree cover and carbon resources through commercial tree crops.” This study focuses on generating sustainable revenues from wood and carbon through responsible large and small-scale commercial forest production contributing to environmental preservation and socio-economic development. Some key activities within this sector include the development of gross margin models for financial and economic analysis in collaboration with relevant entities; consultation with the European Union Delegation (EUD) on project design and complementarity; capacity building on specific topics; and the identification of suitable state land for large-scale commercial forestry activities. Additionally, there will be opportunities for small-scale forestry activities by local stakeholders on adjacent land under customary land use practices, further promoting community engagement and participation.

PPIP Key Expert and Agricultural Economist Philip Young conducted a successful Workshop on the Timor Leste Commercial Forestry Project (TLCFP), of which the primary focus was to discuss the project’s design and gather input from stakeholders. There was a comprehensive discussion on the fundamental rationale and design. The participants discussed the importance of the TLCFP’s alignment with the objectives of the 9th Government of Timor Leste. Additionally, the participants raised important questions and suggestions regarding temporary nurseries, species selection, carbon markets, and market analysis for wood. The workshop successfully highlighted the need for information sharing among interested development partners and demonstrated a collective commitment to the success of the TLCFP. The workshop also highlighted the growing regional demand for wood and wood products, presenting an opportunity for Timor Leste to establish its own commercial forestry industry Key attendees included representatives from the EUD, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of Planning and Strategic Investment, along with several new Director Generals and Section Heads who displayed a genuine interest in the TLCFP.

Project insights, by key expert for solid waste management Jan Skaaja

The project preparation and implementation program for Timor-Leste (PPIP) includes two feasibility projects within the solid waste management sector: Integrated Solid Waste Management System for Timor-Leste and Health Care Risk Waste Management System for Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste is making progress in sustainable waste management, aligning with its commitment to environmental preservation and socio-economic development. A recent meeting brought together stakeholders to address challenges and discuss strategic ideas in the urban solid waste sector.

PPIP Consultants recommends the establishment of a government-owned company dedicated to the entire waste sector. The company will collaborate with private entities to develop and operate waste management facilities and schemes, relieving municipalities of operational tasks and improving efficiency.

The meeting emphasized implementing a deposit return system for beverage containers, with central civic amenity centres as designated receivers for streamlined collection and recycling. A waste fee collection methodology based on an electricity surcharge linked to consumption was recommended. This approach ensures adequate financing for waste management initiatives. Through these decisions, Timor Leste is laying the groundwork for an efficient, economically viable, and environmentally conscious waste management sector. These initiatives promote responsible waste practices and leverage waste as a potential economic resource, contributing to sustainable development

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