Located at the eastern tip of Timor-Leste, Nino Konis Santana encompasses a rich mosaic of terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems, including tropical forests, wetlands, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows within the globally significant Coral Triangle. Its ecological importance lies in the close connection between land and sea, supporting high biodiversity, critical habitats, and natural resources that sustain local communities. The site also reflects the country’s rich cultural landscapes and traditional knowledge, demonstrating the long-standing relationship between communities and their environment.
The designation builds on earlier collaboration between the Government of Timor-Leste, the Timor-Leste National Commission for UNESCO, Lautem Municipality and UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta. As part of this effort, earlier gap analysis and baseline studies were supported by the Government of Japan. It recognizes the efforts of national authorities, local communities, and partners to safeguard biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods and cultural heritage.
This designation is a proud moment for Timor-Leste. It reflects the country’s commitment to protecting its rich natural heritage while ensuring that communities continue to thrive alongside it. We congratulate the Government of Timor-Leste and all those whose dedication made this achievement possible.
Maki Katsuno-HayashikawaDirector of UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta and Representative to Timor Leste
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
UNESCO biosphere reserves are territories of outstanding ecological value where people and nature grow harmoniously alongside each other, conserving biological and cultural diversity, advancing sustainable development, and connecting communities across a global network.
With the addition of Nino Konis Santana (Timor-Leste), Matibay na Bayan ng Sablayan (the Philippines) and Phong Nha – Ke Bang (Vietnam), Southeast Asia is now home to 51 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in 8 countries, underscoring the region’s growing commitment to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and regional cooperation through UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. Together, these sites contribute to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable development while supporting the global goal of conserving 30% of land and sea by 2030.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/nino-konis-santana-designated-timor-lestes-first-unesco-biosphere-reserve?hub=701
