East Timor

Reforestation (July 2001)
Emerging from its turbulent history, East Timor-an island located off the coast of northern Australia-is about to become 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.