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Government Approves Policy and Action Plan for the Promotion of a Resilient and Sustainable Economy of the Sea in Timor-Leste [2025 – 2035]

The Government approved, at the Council of Ministers meeting of 20 February 2026, the “Policy and Action Plan for the Promotion of a Resilient and Sustainable Economy of the Sea in Timor-Leste [2025–2035]”, consolidating the sea as one of the central pillars of the country’s sustainable development and of the national Blue Economy strategy.

This decision reflects the commitment of the Ninth Constitutional Government to economic diversification, inclusive growth and the protection of the marine environment, promoting a resilient and sustainable maritime economy based on an ecosystem approach and grounded in both scientific and community knowledge.

On the same date, 20 February 2026, the Council of Ministers also approved two other key strategic instruments for advancing Timor-Leste’s national Blue Economy agenda:

  • The Draft Decree-Law establishing the Foundations for the Maritime Spatial Planning and Management, creating a legal framework for the integrated and sustainable organisation of Timor-Leste’s maritime territory;
  • The Draft Government Resolution on the Ocean Satellite Account, for the implementation of Pillar 15 of the Policy and Action Plan, establishing the basis for the Ocean Satellite Account as a statistical instrument designed to accurately measure the contribution of the ocean economy to the national economy.

What is the Blue Economy for Timor-Leste?

In Timor-Leste, a concept of the Blue Economy has been adopted that supports a shift in the national development model, placing the ocean — an integral element of Timorese identity — at the centre of income generation, prosperity and the strengthening of social, cultural and environmental values, in a fair and equitable manner. This approach also includes climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Definition adopted by Timor-Leste:

A set of integrated policies and actions which, with a focus on the sea, support the country’s economic and social development based on sound environmental practices, in a diversified, sustainable and inclusive manner, thereby ensuring the long-term balance of marine ecosystems and resources.

This concept is based on three main pillars:

  • Social – reducing poverty, generating income and improving the living conditions of the Timorese people;
  • Economic – promoting consumption, production, trade, services and investment in coastal, marine and maritime sectors;
  • Environmental – protecting marine and coastal ecosystems and natural resources.

 

The motto inspiring this agenda is:

«Timor is TASI! Timor – Blue, Sustainable and Innovative »

(TASI is an acronym derived from the Tetum words “Timor, Azul, Sustentável e Inovador”)

 

Vision, Objective and Mission:

Based on this Blue Economy concept, the Government has defined a strategic framework for the Blue Economy in Timor-Leste:

  • VISION: investing in the growth of coastal, marine and maritime sectors will ensure sustainable and inclusive development for all Timorese people, while promoting a healthy ocean grounded in scientific knowledge.

 

  • OBJECTIVE: to design and implement integrated strategic policies and initiatives — based on scientific and community knowledge — that transform Timor-Leste’s maritime and coastal areas, under Timorese jurisdiction, into a source of sustainable and inclusive economic, social and environmental opportunities.

 

  • MISSION: to promote knowledge, protection, conservation and the sustainable use of marine and coastal natural resources, nationally and internationally, in order to achieve two central objectives:
  1. resilience to climate change;
  2. the promotion of economic, social and environmental development for present and future generations.

 

To access the Policy and Action Plan for the Promotion of a Resilient and Sustainable Economy of the Sea in Timor-Leste,

CLICK HERE! (available soon)

DISCLAIMER

IMPORTANT NOTICE

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