How a 3rd Grader is Protecting Timor-Leste’s Environment

A Young Changemaker: Maximiliano’s Fight Against Littering and Climate Change

Maximiliano da Costa Fernandes is a passionate young environmentalist currently in the 3rd grade at Maria Auxiliadora School in Comoro-Dili. Since the age of 7, he has been dedicated to protecting the environment and addressing climate change. One of his most remarkable efforts has been the voluntary planting of more than 20 mangrove trees, along with numerous papaya trees, to help restore local ecosystems and promote sustainability.

In addition to tree planting, Maximiliano is also a strong advocate for responsible waste management. He is intolerant of littering in Timor-Leste and often speaks to his friends at school about the harmful effects of littering. He explains to them that littering is not just an irresponsible act—it causes real problems such as floods and ocean pollution, which in turn harm marine life and disrupt the balance of ecosystems. His early understanding of these issues and his willingness to educate others highlight his commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.

Maximiliano’s actions reflect his belief that everyone, regardless of age, can contribute to a healthier planet. He sets an inspiring example for his peers and community by showing that even small efforts can lead to meaningful change.

hashtag#savetheplanet

THE LOCAL MARKET IN TIMOR-LESTE NEEDS SERIOUS ATTENTION

IS THERE A REASON WHY LOCAL PRODUCTS DO NOT SELL WELL LOCALLY?

A local market is a market that provides products or services in the same area where they are produced, where the reach of this market only covers that area.

In Timor-Leste, local markets are public facilities provided by the government to help people sell their local products. However, local market facilities are far from what they should be from a health and order perspective, and this is due to the lack of serious and strict government monitoring of local markets. In addition, another problem is that the market users themselves do not have enough knowledge on how to use and maintain the public facilities provided by the government in local markets.

In addition, the space provided in the local market could not accommodate all the vendors from the 13 municipalities, so many sellers sold their products on the sidewalks so they could earn money to help their families’ needs.

With all the problems mentioned above, it is only natural why local products do not sell well in local markets. Recently, people have started to realize the importance of healthy food and healthy food sources, so health has become the main benchmark for consumers to buy local products.

The current condition of the local market is far from hygienic, and cleanliness is not maintained at all. In addition, the remaining unsold products are not disposed of in the right place, causing bad smells to be felt around the market and the number of flies makes consumers not interested in buying anything from the local market.

On the other hand, many donor and government projects focus on production and market linkages but none of them think about the condition of local markets themselves. Instead, they think of the big supermarkets and the big local processors and export markets, but they forget that the people who cannot afford and really need their help are the ones who bring their products to sell in local markets. The reason why many farmers prefer to sell their produce directly to the local market instead of working with the big market players who get help from donor projects is because sometimes the farmers feel they are being manipulated on price. So, to make sure donors’ projects provide the flexibility to the farmers to choose who to sell their products to, then local market conditions are very crucial to be prioritized.

Is there anything we can do to improve local markets?

If the government has been responsible for the supervision and management of local markets, then it should be given to the private sector, which has the knowledge, financial capability, and other resources to ensure that local markets are well controlled from all aspects, including health, usage, and management. In addition, education of users should also be taken seriously as all of the above are interrelated.

In order to prevent our people's household incomes from spiraling downward, we need to help them sell their local products through various means.

==END==

PROMOTIONS!

Acio Ferquin - Invazaun

Acio Ferquin - Matan Wen Sei Maran