Timor-Leste marks a significant history at the global level, with the official approval of Nino Konis Santana National Park as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, this designation is called NINO KONIS SANTANA BIOSPHERE RESERVE. This announcement was made at the 38th session of the International Coordination Council of Man the Biosphere (ICC-MAB) meeting at the Itaipu Biosphere Reserve, Hernandarias, Paraguay from 3-6 June 2026,
The Timor-Leste delegation, led by S.E. The Secretary of State for Forestry, together with the Executive Secretary of the Timor-Leste National Commission for UNESCO (KNTLU) Mr. Luis Nivio, Head of the Department of Flora and Fauna Conservation, and other members, are proud to witness and accompany an official approval given to Timor-Leste, and the Nino Konis Santana Biosphere Reserve becomes a member of the World Network Biosphere Reserve.
This approval also marks a special history that the Nino Konis Santana Biosphere Reserve located in the Municipality of Lautem, as the first Biosphere Reserve in Timor-Leste.
“Viva Munisipiu Lautem!”
“Viva Timor-Leste!”
“Viva UNESCO no Programa Ema ho Biosfera!”
“Viva Rezerva Biosfera Nino Konis Santana!”
This approval is not only a victory for conservation, but also opens up new opportunities for international collaboration, scientific research, and sustainable development for the community.
Congratulations Timor-Leste — a new chapter in the history of conservation is beginning.