Surfbirds News: BirdLife International Archives
“This is an incredibly forward-thinking decision, made all the more spectacular by the fact that this is such a young nation,” said Dr Mike Rands, BirdLife’s Chief Executive. “We wholeheartedly congratulate the Timor-Leste government on this declaration, and their commitment to conservation in line with sustaining the livelihoods and heritage of local people.”
Timor-Leste became independent in 2002 and despite rich deposits of oil and gas it remains one of the world's poorest nations.
The newly designated Nino Konis Santana National Park ???at over 123,600 hectares- links together three of the island’s sixteen BirdLife-designated Important Bird Areas: Lore; Monte Paitchau and Lake Iralalara; and Jaco Island.
Yellow-crested Cockatoo, copyright Craig Robson, Birdquest
“This is great progress by the government and communities of Timor-Leste. After five years work our first national park is born. It will help our nation to protect its national heritage, culture and history,” said Manuel Mendes, Director of the Department of Protected Areas and National Parks, Timor-Leste. “The national park will protect globally significant biodiversity and the culture and socioeconomic livelihoods of communities living there.” |
