Positioned within the biodiversity hotspot of Wallacea, East Timor boasts globally significant ecosystems and endemic species. Its strategic location in the Coral Triangle, known for its rich marine biodiversity, further enhances its ecological importance. With approximately 700 kilometers (435 miles) of coastline and a potential Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covering around 75,000 km² (28,956 mi²), East Timor offers a diverse array of habitats.

The region is also endowed with over 100 rivers flowing into the coastal zone, sustaining unique ecosystems. East Timor hosts 24 key wetland sites recognized for their environmental significance, serving as vital habitats for diverse plant and animal species, and requiring conservation efforts and resource management to ensure their preservation.

	Score	Rank	Change
Total Score – NCI 2024	57.86	59	N/A
Land Management	52	100	N/A
Protected Areas (Terrestrial)	51	115	N/A
Ecological Representativeness of Terrestrial Protected Areas	55	85	N/A
Connectedness of Terrestrial Protected Areas	41	137	N/A
Protected Areas (Marine)	4	86	N/A
Pristine Habitat (Converted Land)	100	1	N/A
Sustainable Nitrogen Management (Soil Pollution)	32	115	N/A
Sustainable Pesticide Use	78	22	N/A
Threats to Biodiversity	69	42	N/A
Threatened Species (Terrestrial)	95	7	N/A
Threatened Species (Marine)	67	46	N/A
Threatened Species’ Coverage by Protected Areas	67	147	N/A
Species Coverage by Marine Protected Areas	100	1	N/A
Species with Declining Populations (Terrestrial)	24	124	N/A
Species with Declining Populations (Marine)	0	10	N/A
Depleted Fisheries
Fishery Pressure in the High Seas	100	36	N/A
Invasive Species Pressure	100	4	N/A
Capacity and Governance	45	178	N/A
Total Management Cost	80	150	N/A
Conservation Culturomics	32	136	N/A
Conservation Legislation	36	108	N/A
Ratification of CBD	100	1	N/A
Ratification of CITES	100	1	N/A
Political Stability and Absence of Violence	50	63	N/A
Control of Corruption	44	85	N/A
Government Effectiveness	34	134	N/A
Future Trends	65	6	N/A
Climate Change Mitigation	65	6	N/A

Four pillars elaborated:

Land Management

Timor-Leste, officially recognized as East Timor, boasts several revered protected areas cherished for their historical, cultural, and environmental significance. The Nino Konis Santana National Park, established in 2007 in Lautém, covers an area of 1,236 km² (477 mi²), marking the country’s inaugural national park. Beyond this landmark, East Timor features additional terrestrial zones earmarked for conservation, encompassing notable mountain peaks, forest remnants, coastal swamps, picturesque beaches, and the scenic Jaco Island. These protected areas serve as vital bastions for safeguarding biodiversity, preserving cultural heritage, and nurturing the natural splendor of East Timor. Oversight and management of these regions are entrusted to the Department of Protected Areas and National Parks, ensuring concerted conservation efforts.

Threats to Biodiversity

The primary factors driving biodiversity decline in East Timor are the excessive exploitation and unsustainable utilization of natural resources, coupled with habitat degradation and fragmentation. These issues stem primarily from deforestation, uncontrolled extraction of sand and stones from rivers, unsustainable agricultural methods, and land conversion for alternative purposes. Additionally, pollution, the introduction of invasive alien species, and the impacts of climate change further exacerbate the loss of biodiversity in the region.

Capacity and Governance

East Timor has implemented various measures to conserve its biodiversity and natural assets, notably through its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Process and emphasis on Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA). Acknowledging EbA’s significance in addressing climate change impacts, East Timor integrates ecosystem protection into its climate action agenda. The country’s NAP process prioritizes EbA as a cornerstone, aiming to bolster resilience and diminish vulnerability for both ecosystems and livelihoods.

Additionally, the Timorese government has designated protected areas, including marine reserves, to safeguard biodiversity. Within the Coral Triangle waters, they’ve established “no-take zones” to prohibit fishing, promoting healthy fish populations and species survival. Furthermore, East Timor has enacted laws and regulations governing environmental and natural resource management, striking a balance between conservation efforts and the development of nature-based tourism.

Future Trends

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) acts as East Timor’s foundational roadmap for biodiversity preservation, integral to the nation’s development aspirations for the forthcoming two decades. Aligned with the National Strategic Development Plan (SDP) of Timor-Leste spanning from 2011 to 2030, the NBSAP delineates strategies and objectives aimed at conserving biodiversity.

Biodiversity

Timor-Leste, officially recognized as East Timor, is a nation situated in Southeast Asia, renowned for its abundant biodiversity despite its modest dimensions. The country’s ecological diversity spans across terrestrial and marine realms, with recent studies revealing new species such as bats, frogs, geckos, skinks, and marine megafauna. These discoveries highlight the biological richness and importance of Timor-Leste’s ecosystems.

Positioned within the Coral Triangle, a marine hotspot renowned for its vast coral species and expansive mangrove forests, East Timor boasts six of the world’s seven marine turtle species, alongside majestic whale sharks, manta rays, and a diverse array of marine mammals including 22 dolphin species and various whales.

In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to East Timor only):