Trees For Transition/
Rai Lulik (Sacred Land)

Social Forestry for Locally-led Adaptation in Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste, a country that emerged independent in 2002, is well-acquainted with resilience. As it continues to turn obstacles into opportunities, it is undergoing a seismic shift in its land-use practices—a movement led by its smallholder farmers. Reeling from Seroja, a tropical cyclone that wreaked havoc across the nation in 2021, these communities have taken adaptation efforts into their own hands, embarking on yet another journey of resilience. Trees For Transition is our initiative augmenting the commitment shown by the region’s growers to champion climate adaptation, transform agricultural value chains, and strengthen institutional mechanisms.

Gurgaon, India

Project Location: Bobonaro, Timor-Leste

Methodology: Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR)

Standard: Gold Standard

 

 Targeted Plantation Area:  3,200 HA

Proposed Plantation:  3 million trees

 

Species

Casuarina invaliana

Eucalyptus Urophylla

Santalum Album

Sequoia Sempervirens

Stercolia Foetida

Swietenia Macrophylla

Toona Sureni

Efficient Land Use Solution for Improved Food Security,
Livelihoods, and Climate Action

VNV is engaging with the smallholder groups in Bobonaro to implement an agroforestry project at scale, aiming to improve crop resilience and increase nutrition sources for the country’s dietary needs. Beyond these benefits, the project mitigates the effects of climate change head-on by reducing the burden on forests. Trees for Transition also represents a shift in the socio-economic landscape. The program works by creating farmer collectives to ensure an institutional approach for better crop prices, increased market linkages, and robust networks. The creation of women’s groups encourages participation, employment, and financial independence, paving the way for equitable opportunities.

Women Driving Equity
Carbon Markets Driving Local Growth
Resilience in Action
Redefining Land Stewardship

 

Trees for Transition redefines equity by establishing women-led self-help groups (SHGs) that ensure women have a seat at every decision-making table. By bridging gaps in access to resources, opportunities, and financial inclusion, the initiative creates a foundation for shared leadership. This approach enables women to champion equity not just for themselves but for their entire communities.  

 

The program channels carbon finance into tangible opportunities for smallholder farmers and local communities. By creating fair employment, better living wages, and access to collective bargaining, the initiative addresses economic inequities head-on. Institutionalized structures further equip these communities with greater access to supply chains, ensuring shared prosperity and long-term financial security. This program has created 17 farmer groups that are 610 members strong to spearhead collective action.

 

Located in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable island nations, Timor-Leste, this initiative serves as a model for resilience. Smallholder farmers, often on the frontlines of climate change, unite to develop adaptive solutions that safeguard their livelihoods and strengthen their communities. This effort turns the challenges of an island nation into collective action, driving a more resilient and sustainable future for Timor-Leste. 

 

By adopting agroforestry practices, farmers are reshaping the way land is used—shifting away from forest-depleting methods and toward sustainable solutions. This movement safeguards biodiversity, protects ecosystems, and ensures agriculture works in harmony with nature, setting a new standard for regenerative livelihoods.

Women Driving Equity

Trees for Transition redefines equity by establishing women-led self-help groups (SHGs) that ensure women have a seat at every decision-making table. By bridging gaps in access to resources, opportunities, and financial inclusion, the initiative creates a foundation for shared leadership. This approach enables women to champion equity not just for themselves but for their entire communities.

The program channels carbon finance into tangible opportunities for smallholder farmers and local communities. By creating fair employment, better living wages, and access to collective bargaining, the initiative addresses economic inequities head-on. Institutionalized structures further equip these communities with greater access to supply chains, ensuring shared prosperity and long-term financial security. This program has created 17 farmer groups that are 610 members strong to spearhead collective action.

Located in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable island nations, Timor-Leste, this initiative serves as a model for resilience. Smallholder farmers, often on the frontlines of climate change, unite to develop adaptive solutions that safeguard their livelihoods and strengthen their communities. This effort turns the challenges of an island nation into collective action, driving a more resilient and sustainable future for Timor-Leste.

By adopting agroforestry practices, farmers are reshaping the way land is used—shifting away from forest-depleting methods and toward sustainable solutions. This movement safeguards biodiversity, protects ecosystems, and ensures agriculture works in harmony with nature, setting a new standard for regenerative livelihoods.

Be Part of
the Solution.

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Be Part of the Solution.

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Real Stories, Real Change

Armandina de Oliveira Bui Aca's Story

I am proud that this project’s impact is significant, as it enhances my capacity and knowledge. It provides training on important skills, including seed selection, mixing organic soil and planting seeds in polybags, land and water conservation, compost making, and managing rural cooperatives. Through these activities, I receive an income, which I have used for my house’s construction and for my children’s school fees and uniforms.
 

Armandina de Oliveira Bui Aca

Ritabou, Bobonaro, Timor-Leste

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