EAST TIMOR, Fatucama - July 2001
Reforestation
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Emerging from its turbulent history, East Timor-an island located off the coast of northern Australia--is the world's youngest independent nation. While the country rejoices in its newfound freedom, it also faces serious environmental challenges. The Haburas Foundation, established by a group of East Timorese students, is dedicated to reforesting degraded areas. One degraded area in urgent need of rehabilitation is the coastal hills of Fatucama, an ancient sacred site of the East Timorese that is located four miles from East Timor's capital of Dili. Serious erosion is threatening the hills. With funding from Seacology, Haburas has established a participatory reforestation program. Local residents are planting tree species that are of great value to their communities, thereby improving the environment as well as the local economy.*
UPDATE November 2003 - Approximately one third of the 40-acre area to be revegetated had been planted as of early 2003.
UPDATE July 2004 - In 2003, Habuaras planted 1000 trees in addition to planting native grasses for erosion control. This year, Haburas is focusing their reforestation efforts along the coastline of the Fatucama hills and has already planted 500 native trees in the area. For his efforts in East Timor, the director of Haburas, Demetrio do Amaral de Carvalho, won the 2004 Goldman Environmental Prize.
*Support for asterisked projects is provided fully or in part by the
Nu
Skin Enterprises Force for Good Foundation
