WaterAid Timor-Leste - World Water Day 2025
Press Release
World Water Day 2025: "Conserving Water to Enrich Ecosystems"
Dili, 22 March 2025 – On World Water Day 2025, WaterAid Timor-Leste joins the global community in celebrating the world water day 2025 with this year’s national theme, "Conserving Water to Enrich Ecosystems." WaterAid appreciate policymakers, communities, and development partners in taking action to protect water resources and promote sustainable water management practices that ensure the resilience of both people and nature.
Water is the heart of sustainable development, supporting health, agriculture, livelihoods, and biodiversity. However, Timor-Leste faces significant water security challenges posed by climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable water usage. In rural areas, around 85% of households have access to basic water services, leaving 15% without reliable access. These issues impact daily life and threaten the resilience of local communities and ecosystems.
Strengthening Water Conservation for a Sustainable Future
WaterAid Timor-Leste is committed to improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in rural communities while promoting sustainable water resource management. In Manufahi and Liquiçá municipalities, WaterAid supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) collaborating with local partners and communities to implement a catchment-wide approach that incorporates water and soil conservation activities using nature-based solutions, including retention ponds, SALT (Sloping Agricultural Land Technology), check dams, terracing, and the promotion of traditional cultural practices like Tara Bandu. This approach integrates community-led efforts and technologies, including water-level indicator devices, to ensure long-term water sustainability.
On this World Water Day, WaterAid Timor-Leste encourages collaborative action from the Government continue current initiative on policies and investments in sustainable water resource management; Communities continuously taking active participation in reforestation and watershed protection initiatives. Development Partners to support innovative water conservation solutions that incorporate advanced technologies. Civil Society Organizations to continue advocate with evidence-based to hold Government accountable for WASH and climate action.
Investing in water is vital as change starts with water. Together, we can ensure water security for the future and foster resilient ecosystems that support human well-being.
For further information and media inquiries, please contact:
Marlinda Jeronimo
Communications & Business Development Support Officer, WaterAid Timor-Leste
Email: marlinda.jeronimo@wateraid.org.au
