What is the Blue Economy for Timor-Leste?

The concept of a Blue Economy has been evolving across the world and within many institutions. There is no single, universally accepted definition.

In Timor-Leste, a concept has been adopted that supports a shift in the country’s development model by placing the sea—an integral feature of Timorese identity—at the heart of income generation, prosperity, and the strengthening of the nation’s social, cultural and environmental values, in a fair and equitable way. This approach also embraces climate-change mitigation and adaptation.

Timor-Leste’s adopted definition:

A set of integrated policies and actions that, 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, while ensuring the long-term balance of marine ecosystems and resources.

This concept encompasses three main pillars:

Social – reducing poverty, generating income and improving the living conditions of the Timorese People;
Economic – including consumption, production, trade, services and investment;
Environmental – centred on protecting ecosystems and natural resources.

Strategic Framework for Timor-Leste’s Blue Economy

Based on the Blue Economy concept adopted for Timor-Leste, the Government has defined a vision, an objective and a mission.

The VISION for Timor-Leste:

Investing in the growth of coastal, marine and maritime sectors will secure sustainable and inclusive development for all Timorese while fostering a healthy ocean grounded in scientific knowledge.

The main OBJECTIVE is:

To design and implement integrated, strategic policies and initiatives—drawing on both scientific and community knowledge—that transforms Timor-Leste’s maritime and coastal area, under Timorese jurisdiction, into a source of sustainable and inclusive economic, social and environmental opportunities.

The Government of Timor-Leste’s MISSION is:

To promote the knowledge, protection, conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal natural resources, nationally and internationally, to achieve the dual goals of: resilience to climate change and economic, social and environmental development for present and future generations.

“Timor é TASI! Timor—Blue, Sustainable and Innovative”

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

Structure of the Blue-Economy Policy and Action Plan

Public Consultation (01 - 20 July 2025)

First Phase of the Public Consultation of the “Policy and Action Plan to Promote a Resilient and Sustainable Economy of the Sea in Timor-Leste”.

The Government of Timor-Leste intends to enhance the value of its sea and marine resources through balanced planning of their use and the development of economic activities, while safeguarding the capacity of marine ecosystems to support those activities and to recover, with the aim of fostering a resilient and sustainable economy of the sea, grounded in an ecosystem-based approach.

On 25 June 2025, the Council of Ministers approved, in principle, the “Policy and Action Plan to Promote a Resilient and Sustainable Economy of the Sea in Timor-Leste”.

Besides embodying the IX Constitutional Government’s commitment to diversifying the economy for the nation’s sustainable growth, this Policy sets out a political vision and action strategy that leverages the economic potential of marine resources in harmony with the concurrent need to protect and conserve the marine environment and ensure environmental resilience.

Thus, on the day marking the second anniversary of the IX Constitutional Government’s mandate, and in keeping with one of the fundamental principles of good governance, an online public-consultation process will now be held for the first time in Timor-Leste.

Because national development must be by and for everyone, and because sound public policies should be informed by the knowledge, experience and needs of all citizens, EVERYONE is invited to make constructive contributions to the finalisation of the “Policy and Action Plan to Promote a Resilient and Sustainable Economy of the Sea in Timor-Leste”.

Broad participation and engagement of all stakeholders strengthen democracy and enhance transparency in decision-making. The Government therefore encourages citizens, communities and civil society—including non-governmental organisations, academics and the private sector—as well as development partners, to contribute constructively to the policy-making process.

The online public-consultation period will run from 1 to 20 July 2025.

For a copy of the Policy and Action Plan to Promote a Resilient and Sustainable Economy of the Sea in Timor-Leste click HERE or scan the QR Code below:

If you would like to provide feedback on the Policy and Action Plan to Promote a Resilient and Sustainable Economy of the Sea in Timor-Leste, download the FORM HERE.

Please note that the second phase of the Public Consultation, involving outreach with local communities across the country, is expected to begin in August 2025.