Australia aids Timor in devising a crocodile management strategy for saltwater species
The Northern Territory Government of Australia recently embarked on a significant collaborative journey with the Government of Timor-Leste, focusing on various sectors including wildlife conservation, education, health, and renewable energy.
During her visit to Dili, Northern Territory Minister for Commerce, Business, and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill, met with Timorese President José Ramos-Horta to discuss opportunities for collaboration. This meeting marked the beginning of a series of discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and driving economic growth in both regions.
One of the key areas of focus is the management of saltwater crocodiles, a species considered sacred in Timor-Leste. The Northern Territory Government is collaborating with Timorese regional wildlife management groups to support the strengthening of local crocodile management programs. This practical cooperation is a testament to the commitment of both parties to wildlife conservation.
In the health sector, Timor-Leste and the Northern Territory signed an Action Plan for Cooperation on July 18, 2023, under the Strategic Partnership Agreement 2023-2027. This plan aims to enhance health services and collaboration in the health sector between the two regions, with a focus on exchanges of expertise, specialized training programs, and postgraduate clinical internships in areas such as hematology and intensive care.
Energy is another sector where the two governments are working together. The Empowerment Through Energy Program is a key initiative aimed at supporting Timor-Leste's efforts to deliver sustainable electricity to under-serviced regions. Four Timorese energy professionals will undertake a three-month internship with the Northern Territory Department of Mining and Energy, focusing on solar-diesel hybrid and power systems. This program is designed to enhance Timor-Leste's capacity for delivering clean and reliable electricity, especially in remote areas.
These collaborative efforts reflect the deepening economic, strategic, and cultural ties between the Northern Territory and Timor-Leste, with a focus on mutual development and cooperation across multiple sectors. It is important to note that while increased human rights violations allegations have been reported in Timor-Leste, they are not directly related to the health sector Action Plan or the meeting between Robyn Cahill and Timorese President José Ramos-Horta.
Robyn Cahill made a statement to the press about the collaboration, but did not take questions. The announcement was made during her visit to Dili, following a meeting with Timorese Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão. Crocodile attacks in Timor-Leste have increased recently, but no new facts about crocodile management were mentioned in this paragraph.
This partnership is part of a broader strategy to strengthen bilateral relations and drive economic growth in both regions. The Strategic Partnership Agreement aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as education and workforce development, further underscoring the commitment of both governments to mutual development and cooperation.
What areas of collaboration are being explored between the Northern Territory and Timor-Leste beyond wildlife conservation, education, health, and renewable energy? The Northern Territory Minister for science, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and environmental-science may also explore opportunities for collaboration in these fields during meetings with Timorese officials.
