The Government of East-Timor has approved the signing of agreements with South Korea’s International Agency to develop projects in the forestry and food security sectors.
The Forest Restoration and Sustainable Management Capacity Development Project will receive a grant of approximately $6 million (€5.13 million) and will be implemented over six years in the municipalities of Baucau and Manatuto, east of Dili.
The project aims to prevent environmental degradation, restore forest ecosystems, modernize the national nursery center, implement reforestation programs, and strengthen public institutions and local communities.
The Integrated Nutrition and Food Security Program, including school feeding, food fortification, and school infrastructure improvements, will be implemented over five years in Baucau, Viqueque, Manufahi, and Bobonaro, with a budget of $7.2 million (€6.16 million).
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The program focuses on improving school nutrition, enhancing kitchen facilities, establishing management and monitoring systems, promoting food fortification, and developing local agricultural supply chains. Training for teachers, school staff, and communities is also included.
East-Timor faces significant nutrition challenges: 47% of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition, 8.6% from acute malnutrition, 32% are underweight, and many have deficiencies in vitamin A, iron, and iodine. The government’s multisectoral nutrition action plan, launched in March 2025, aims to reduce childhood stunting to 25% by 2030, targeting newborns, children up to 23 months, and women of reproductive age.
