National Day of the Sea is celebrated every year on 5 June in Timor-Leste to recognise the importance of the ocean for the country’s sustainable development, for the environment, economy, and way of life of the Timorese.

The Council of Ministers on 22 October 2025, established 5 June as the National Day of the Sea to support the Blue Economy Policy and Action Plan 2025–2035 (👉🏼 Link here!).

Having a dedicated National Day of the Sea highlights the need to protect Timor-Leste’s marine biodiversity.

It is also part of a wider National Ocean Week to mark World Ocean Day celebrated grobally annually on 8 June.

Events and activities are held across the country to raise awareness about the value of the sea for Timor-Leste’s sustainable development.

The celebrations include events such as the Dili Ocean Parade, beach clean-ups, educational workshops, and community activities. These often involve young people, local communities, and national leaders, and areheld in different municipalities each year.
The National Day of the Sea aims to inspire the Timorese, especially Timorese children and youth, to be stewards for the ocean and support a sustainable future for Timor-Leste.

In 2026, National Day of the Sea will embrace the theme of “Protecting the Sea Through ‘Tara Bandu” for a More Sustaimable Future”.

The ‘Tara Bandu’, a traditional custom that is part of Timor-Leste’s culture regulating the relationship between humans and their surrounding environment and used to protect both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.