Díli, 15/03/2024 – The UNDP and the Government of Timor-Leste launched a distribution of clean energy solutions to rural communities. The initiative, titled “Promoting Green Transformation in the Pacific Region towards Net-Zero and Climate-resilient Development (Pacific Green Transformation Project)”, marks a significant step towards sustainable development, funded by the Government of Japan.

As one of the outputs of the project, UNDP will deliver solar panel kits and improved cooking stoves to 1000 rural households in Ainaro, Manatuto, and Manufahi municipalities. This endeavor is not just about energy; it’s about transforming lives. With solar energy, families gain a versatile and reliable source of power, enabling children to study at home even after sunset. The improved cooking stoves will reduce the environmental and health impacts associated with firewood use, particularly benefiting women, who are often responsible for cooking and are vulnerable to respiratory problems.

Ms. Adeline Carrier, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative stated that this project aims to contribute to Timor-Leste’s objective, to prioritize actions to increase renewable energy access in rural communities. She emphasized that “UNDP has a strong commitment to work with the Government of Timor-Leste and other partners for energy transition for all”.

The launch event was attended by key stakeholders including H.E. Mr. KIMURA Tetsuya, the Ambassador of Japan, , H.E. Mr. Tomás do Rosário Cabral, the Minister of State Administration, and H.E. Mr. Samuel Marçal, the Minister of Public Works, which is the chair of the project along with the UNDP, highlighting the collaborative effort to advance climate action and sustainability. 

 “By using the new improved cooking stoves, we hand over today, the amount of firewood used will be cut in half, reducing the burden on those responsible for collecting firewood. In addition, the smoke emitted during cooking will be greatly reduced, which will help prevent health hazards to family members caused by smoke. I hope that this project will support the transition towards net zero and climate-resilient pathways, as well as the people’s lives in Timor-Leste”. Said H.E. Mr. KIMURA Tetsuya, Ambassador of Japan.

H.E. Mr. Tomás do Rosário Cabral, the Minister of State Administration, and H.E. Mr. Samuel Marçal, the Minster of Public Works also voiced their support, thanking UNDP and the Government of Japan for its commitment and contribution to improving the lives of the people in remote areas in Timor-Leste . 

“The authorities can identify the places that are difficult to access electricity, and with this solar panel, I think it will have a significant impact and can contribute to development in Timor-Leste. It will help reduce electricity usage, because, in Timor-Leste, the sun shines strongly, thus using the solar panel is a good idea.”, said H.E. Mr. Tomás do Rosário Cabral, the Minister of State Administration. 

H.E. Mr. Samuel Marçal, the Minster of Public Works expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation to the Government of Japan and UNDP and stated that “ the government is strongly committed to continue collaborating with Government of Japan, UNDP and other partners to address the needs of our people”.

The project, with a total funding of 37.5 million USD by the Government of Japan, targets 4 Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Vanuatu, to advance climate action through innovation, and helping communities build resilience, and adapt to climate risks, by providing access to renewable energy to rural communities and the most vulnerable, especially women and children. For Timor-Leste, the project has a funding of 5,78 million USD, with 3 main outputs: support solar energy access to 1000 rural households not connected to the national electricity grid, as well as improved cooking stoves that will reduce the use of firewood and the hazards it involves; solarization of SAMES and 2 selected health centers for improved health service; and support the solarization of 15 ICT rooms in selected schools to promote digital teaching and learning. The Installation process for the 1000 solar panel kits is expected to happen after the launching ceremony.

For related photos or videos, please visit: https://www.undp.org/timor-leste/projects/green-transformation-project

Contact Information: clara.dos.santos@undp.org

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