On 8 August 2019, WorldFish in partnership with Government of Timor-Leste is convening 2nd Timor-Leste National Aquaculture Forum, with the objective to provide a common platform for stakeholders to share their research and development experiences and identify opportunities for fostering partnerships in aquaculture development in Timor-Leste.

Around three-quarters of the 1.2 million people in Timor-Leste, one of the poorest countries in Asia, live in rural areas. Livelihood systems are largely dependent on crop-livestock mixed farming, essentially of subsistence or semi-subsistence nature. Combating poverty and malnutrition has been the top priority of the government since the country acquired independence in 2002.

The need to increase access to animal source foods – livestock and fish – is vital to improving the nutritional status of the people of Timor-Leste, and addressing the country’s problem of chronic malnutrition. Aquaculture, or the farming of aquatic animals and plants, has been identified by Government as a means of improving the food and nutrition security situation of the country and contributing to economic activity and household incomes in rural areas.

The 2nd Timor-Leste National Aquaculture Forum, led by Dr. Jharendu Pant, WorldFish Senior Scientist will begin at 8 am until 5 pm (GMT+9) and it will have six sessions as below. The session will also include two panel discussion to further expand on the topics raised and offer the opportunity for delegates to engage with speakers:

  • Session 1: 08:00 - 9:40 ​Opening session

  • Session 2: 09:40 - 10:40 Presentations: Foundations of sustainable aquaculture

  • Session 3: 10:40 -13:30 Presentations: Experiences in scaling aquaculture: Issues and opportunities

  • Session 4: 13:30 -14:30 Panel Discussion: Meeting fish demand: Aquaculture prospect for Timor-Leste

  • Session 5: 14:30 -16:00 Panel Discussion: Creating the enabling environment for fostering partnerships

  • Session 6: 16:00 -16:50 Closing session

The Forum will be attended by government officials from the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries and New Zealand High Commission as well as partners from Mercy Corps, Catholic Relief Services, Market Development Facility and CEMILL Groups.