Category: News

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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The Project Preparation & Implementation Programme for Timor-Leste (PPIP) aims to support the identification, preparation, and implementation of technical, financial, economic, environmental, and social investment projects in the sectors of solid waste, forestry, water supply, sanitation, and drainage. Solid waste management is a severe challenge for the country, causing serious problems such as drainage stormwater pollution and channel blockages, leading to flooding. The Clean Ocean Initiative intends to find a solution to these challenges. Accurate data is an important aspect of this project, therefore, a waste study between 9th and 18th May 2023 was conducted in the towns of Suai (Covalima Municipality), Maliana (Bobonaro Municipality), and Baucau. The goal was to identify the level of generation and composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) produced by households and contribute to the provision of baseline data for the PPIP and the Government of Timor-Leste to develop a sustainable solid waste management system, policy, and strategy.

From July to August our Key Forest Expert Joachim Kirchhoff underwent his 2nd assignment. This article provides an update about the recent development and activities within the Forestry section of the PPIP project.

Currently, the focus of the Forestry Team will be the presentation of the project design in selected municipalities and sucos, mainly Covalima and Bobonaro. The feedback from local leaders is urgently needed and will be integrated in the final project design. PPIP’s approach will foster project ownership and always ensures full beneficiary participation at all levels and within the project cycle.

Completion of Capacity Building for Grant Funding Documentation

An important milestone in the project progress has been the finalization of the Technical Assistance (TA) Paper on Capacity Building for Grant Funding. This draft paper underwent thorough review, circulation, and in-depth discussions with our team leaders and key stakeholders. Following invaluable input and revisions, we have successfully refined the paper, which now stands as a foundational component of the forthcoming Feasibility Study (FS) Report. Its significance lies in its role as a prerequisite for the seamless execution of the loan project.

Progress in Identifying Suitable Land for Commercial Plantations and Final Selection

Since May 2023, our focus has been on the process of identifying and selecting land suitable for commercial plantations. Since then, we could witness a notable progress. Regular consultations with DG Raimundo and careful evaluation of data have resulted in the identification and securement of over 10,000 hectares for this purpose. This accomplishment is a direct result of the ongoing Community-Demand Driven Land Reclassification initiative, which remains in progress. Further, to ensure a sustainable approach in the forestry project in Timor-Leste we put effort to secure confirmation letters from municipalities and local stakeholders.

Promoting Financial Collaboration for Smallholder Empowerment

Within the financial collaboration we faced some challenges by identifying commercial banks willing to establish deposit accounts for smallholders. Nevertheless, we have made progress by initiating dialogue with five banks in Dili. Encouragingly, three banks have shown interest in this collaboration, aligning with our objective of enhancing financial inclusion within our target communities.

Strategic Innovations in Carbon Trading and Sustainability

Another aspect of our initiative involves the design of a pragmatic carbon trading system. Collaborative engagements with Bhuddi Kunwar and the EU Technical Assistance team have resulted in comprehensive discussions and insights. We are enthusiastic about the potential of this initiative to yield both environmental and economic benefits.

Prominent Steps in Project Awareness and Outreach

We are actively working to spread awareness about the objectives, scope, and benefits of our project. To achieve this, we are diligently preparing a pamphlet that will outline these aspects. This informative material will be endorsed by relevant ministries and distributed to selected municipalities and sucos. This is an important part of our ongoing public awareness campaign. Our achievements are the result of successful collaboration, dynamic partnerships, and a shared commitment to achieving transformative change. Looking ahead, we are focused on reaching significant milestones such as the completion of the Feasibility Study Report, targeted field visits, and further enhancing our strategies for engaging stakeholders. We are excited to achieve sustainable and impactful outcomes in the forestry sector by combining our holistic approach with out community involvement. The third assignment of the Key Forestry Expert in November 2023 will include (i) drafting of the Feasibility Study Report; (ii) selected field visits in the selected target areas, (iii) assessment of the stakeholder participation process, and (iv) assisting the Team Leader (Economist) in finalizing the Cost and Financing Plan.

The Project Preparation & Implementation Programme for Timor-Leste (PPIP) aims to support the identification, preparation, and implementation of technical, financial, economic, environmental, and social investment projects in the sectors of solid waste, forestry, water supply, sanitation, and drainage. Solid waste management is a severe challenge for the country, causing serious problems such as drainage stormwater pollution and channel blockages, leading to flooding. The Clean Ocean Initiative intends to find a solution to these challenges. Accurate data is an important aspect of this project, therefore, a waste study between 9th and 18th May 2023 was conducted in the towns of Suai (Covalima Municipality), Maliana (Bobonaro Municipality), and Baucau. The goal was to identify the level of generation and composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) produced by households and contribute to the provision of baseline data for the PPIP and the Government of Timor-Leste to develop a sustainable solid waste management system, policy, and strategy.

In general, the Municipal Water, Sanitation, and Environment Services (SMASAs) are responsible for waste management in the three research locations. However, their waste collection services are very limited and are conducted through contracted service suppliers. Ordinary trucks without any compacting or lifting arrangements are used to collect waste from temporary waste collection points (TPS) and dispose of them in non-authorised dumps. Waste collection only covers a small portion of the towns, including some public areas and institutions, but no private households are serviced.

The study was conducted in the most densely populated areas of the three municipalities, with a total of 300 households selected, 100 from each municipality. The selection of study areas and participating households and waste producers was done in collaboration with the City Governments (SMASAs). The study was conducted over a period of three weeks, resulting in a total of 2,100 samples collected for the three municipalities. During the waste study, respondents were instructed to gather all waste as they would normally dispose of it in a delivered trash bag, without burning anything or throwing anything to the river/ditch/ or elsewhere. The waste collection was conducted every day over a seven-day period in each of the three towns. The team collected the waste in labelled trash bags, either directly from the doorstep of the households or from a point at the main road to which the households agreed to bring their waste. Each trash bag was recorded (weight and origin) and then all bags were brought to a central place where segregation took place based on physical properties, and the labelled trash bag was distributed to collect the waste for the next day. The following figure summarizes the waste composition of the samples:

Conclusions

The waste audits conducted in May 2023 in Baucau, Maliana, and Suai, Timor-Leste, covering 300 households for a week, revealed the following conclusions:

• Waste collection service is generally unavailable in the municipalities, and only a small portion of the town streets are serviced by the municipal waste service.
• The communities in the three municipalities mostly manage waste by burning it, and a significant amount of waste is dumped in backyards or into the nearest rivers, which eventually ends up in the ocean.
• Suai has the largest waste generation among households/residential areas, followed by Baucau and Maliana. The overall unit generation rate for the study area is estimated at 0.23 kg/cap/day.
• Green waste constitutes the largest portion of the MSW in all project sites, but no composting activities take place.
• Food waste is virtually non-existent in the MSW, as it is used as fodder for domestic animals.
• High-value materials are present in the waste in large quantities but are not collected for recycling.
• Some textiles and rubber waste are present in the MSW in some project areas due to second-hand market activities for imported clothes and shoes.

Recommendations:

The Timorese Government is responsible for providing adequate and efficient waste management services, including waste reduction and sustainable solid waste management. The circular economy concept should be adopted to create economic opportunities, reduce waste generation, maximize resource efficiency, and minimize environmental impact. Community participation and engagement are encouraged to empower local communities, increase environmental awareness, and foster a sense of ownership and pride in waste management efforts. Customized approaches, supportive policies, capacity building, infrastructure development, and partnerships with local communities, businesses, and NGOs are key to successful implementation. International cooperation and support can also play an important role in helping low-income countries adopt circular economy practices and realize their benefits.

The Project Preparation and Identification Programme (PPIP) in Timor-Leste is making significant strides in identifying, assessing, and preparing various projects related to water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, and forestry. The recent completion of the Pre-Feasibility Study phase of the Solid Waste project marks another milestone in the country’s efforts towards sustainable waste management. This update highlights the key findings and progress made during the mission carried out by the key expert for solid waste management Jan Skaaja from April 23 to May 5, 2023. 

Mission Objectives and Composition 

During this mission, Jan Skajaa (Key Expert for Solid Waste Management) collaborated closely with the local expert Mr. Fernandinho Costa Corbafo Noronha and the rest of the team. The primary objectives were to secure and verify sites for regional sanitary landfills and other waste installations, engage with stakeholders through information activities, and initiate field work and waste audits. The mission report provides a comprehensive overview of the findings and outlines the next steps for the project. 

KEY MISSION FINDINGS 

Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Management System 

One of the significant achievements of the mission was the identification of two sites for regional landfills: Suco Vermasse located in Baucau district, and Cassa, situated in Ainaro district. Local stakeholders, including municipal authorities, have verbally confirmed these proposed sites. However, it was emphasized that cultural and heritage considerations needed to be considered, particularly in Cassa. To address this concern, an agreement was reached with the local population to protect a cultural point of interest near the proposed landfill site. 

In Baucau, a meeting was conducted with representatives from the Baucau Municipal Administration and relevant organizations to finalize the location of the site in Suco Vemasse for the Eastern landfill. The site visit confirmed its suitability, and design work has been progressing based on topographical mapping received from the Municipal Planning Office (MPO). The process of obtaining formal documents to secure the land for landfill development is currently underway. 

The team has also been actively engaging with municipal administrations across Timor-Leste, disseminating the pre-feasibility study reports and discussing proposed investments. Meetings have taken place with the Cassa local authority, Bobonaro Municipal Authority, Administrative Post Assembly of Vemasse, Aileu Municipal Administration, Manatuto Municipal Administration, Lautém Municipal Administration, Viqueque Municipal Administration, Manufahi Municipal Administration, Covalima Municipal Administration, and Ainaro Municipal Administration. 

Furthermore, the team has identified the scope of work for essential environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) studies for the waste installations.  

Next Steps and Mission 

Several key activities have been planned for the period between the current mission and the next one. These activities include securing landfills sites through formal documentation, finalizing agreements with the PMO GIS department for topographical surveys, identifying sub-suppliers for soil investigations, and continuing efforts to identify sites for transfer stations, Centralized Accumulation Centers (CACs), Deposit Return System (DRS) stations, and Health Care Risk Waste treatment facilities. 

Additionally, two workshops are planned to be conducted during the next mission. The first workshop will focus on the institutional structure for implementing PPIP investments, including the organization of the proposed deposit return system and discussions on tariffs and cost recovery. The second workshop will involve the Ministry of Health, SAMES, and referral hospital managements to address questions related to HCRW treatment facilities. 

As the project progresses towards its goals, the next mission for the solid waste management team is planned for 28th June – 7th July 2023. With continued efforts and collaboration between stakeholders, Timor-Leste is steadily moving forward in its pursuit of an efficient and sustainable solid waste management system.