Two conference papers have been presented in the last month about the project. Alex Sarmento presented a paper titled “Community forest carbon schemes in Timor Leste: 20 years on” at the Timor Leste Studies Association conference in Dili from 27-28 June 2019. The paper will be published in the conference proceedings later in 2019. A copy of the presentation can be obtained from Alex Sarmento at alexsarmento2009@googlemail.com
On the other side of the Pacific, Jorge Ramos presented a paper on “Facilitating transition from degraded commons to reforested land and better livelihoods using voluntary carbon schemes: Lessons from Timor-Leste” in Lima, Peru. The conference was the International Association for Study of the Commons. The paper will be published in the Digital Library of the Commons later in 2019. For a copy of the paper and/or presentation, please email Jorge at jramos@csu.edu.au
Whilst in Peru, Jorge Ramos and Joanne Millar visited a 10 year REDD+ program involving 1,000 coffee growers who have signed conservation agreements with Conservation International to protect remaining rainforest in and around the Alto Mayo Protected Area. Growers receive technical advice and tools to grow better quality, organic and premium priced coffee, cocoa and fruit on existing land instead of cutting down forest. Communities are also developing tourism facilities and programs. Funding comes from carbon credits and donations from BHP and Disney Pty Ltd. Lots of lessons and ideas for Timor Leste!
Coffee farmer from Alto Mayo showing medicinal rainforest plant from protected forest
Community Reforestation in Timor Leste 