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Timor-Leste’s Blue Economy

The Timorese Government approved, during a Council of Ministers Meeting of 20 February 2026, the “Policy and Action Plan for the Promotion of a Resilient and Sustainable Economy of the Sea in Timor-Leste [2025–2035]”.

This strategic decision consolidating the sea as one of the central pillars for Timor-Leste’s sustainable development.

The Blue Economy Policy and Action plan is firm commitment by Timor-Leste to achieve economic diversification, inclusive growth and the protection of the marine environment, promoting a resilient and sustainable maritime economy based on an ecosystem approach and grounded in both scientific and community knowledge.

What is the Blue Economy for Timor-Leste?

In Timor-Leste, a concept of the Blue Economy has been adopted that supports a shift in the national development model, placing the ocean — an integral element of Timorese identity — at the centre of income generation, prosperity and the strengthening of social, cultural and environmental values, in a fair and equitable manner. This approach also includes climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Timor-Leste’s Ocean-Based Economy (2015).

Definition of the Blue Economy adopted by Timor-Leste

A set of integrated policies and actions which, with a focus on the sea, support the country’s economic and social development based on sound environmental practices, in a diversified, sustainable and inclusive manner, thereby ensuring the long-term balance of marine ecosystems and resources.

The Blue Economy for Timor-Leste is based on three main pillars:

  • Social – reducing poverty, generating income and improving the living conditions of the Timorese people;
  • Economic – promoting consumption, production, trade, services and investment in coastal, marine and maritime sectors;
  • Environmental – protecting marine and coastal ecosystems and natural resources.

It is important to highlight that the blue economy includes all aquatic spaces, including the ocean, seas, coasts, lakes, rivers, and groundwater.

The blue economy covers Timor-Leste’s coastal areas, as well as inland territories, including the mountainous regions of the country.

The motto inspiring the Blue Economy agenda is:

«Timor is TASI! Timor – Blue, Sustainable and Innovative »

(TASI is an acronym derived from the Tetum words “Timor, Azul, Sustentável e Inovador”)

Blue Economy Executive Summary [Link]

Blue Economy Policy and Action Plans [Link]