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Timor-Leste’s Blue Economy

Timor, Azure, Sustainable and Innovative

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.

👉🏼Blue Economcy Policy and Action Plan 2025-2025 (unofficial translation)

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. This will allow Timor-Leste to promote 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, a key 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.

Governmental Internal Coordination

The Government will strengthen internal coordination to support the growth of Timor-Leste’s Blue Economy, recognising that it encompasses a wide range of economic sectors and activities connected to the sea and ocean. By improving cooperation across government institutions, it aims to promote sustainable development, maximise the value of marine resources, and ensure that the many industries linked to the maritime domain can contribute effectively to the country’s economic and social progress.

👉🏼 List of government institutions supporting the growth of the Blue Economy in Timor-Leste

 

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 key factors:

  • 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 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.

It also covers the interconnection between marine and terrestrial ecosystems, including the country’s mountainous regions and inland waters, as economic practices and activities on land affect the health of the ocean.

The motto inspiring the Blue Economy agenda is:

Timor is TASI!
Timor – Azure, Sustainable and Innovative

TASI is an acronym derived from the English words “Timor, Azure, Sustainable and Innovative”, and also means ‘sea’ in Tetum