2009年-世界发展银行全球_Timor-Leste___Country_Environmental_Analysis_93页_1mb

Timor-Leste: Country Environmental Analysis Summary

Core Content

This report, published by the World Bank in July 2009, provides an in-depth analysis of environmental issues in Timor-Leste, focusing on natural resource management and environmental health. It outlines key environmental priorities, challenges, and potential policy responses in the context of the country's economic development and institutional framework.

Main Points

1. Country Background

• Independence: Timor-Leste gained independence in May 2002 after 24 years of Indonesian occupation and three years of UN administration.
• Population: Approximately 1 million people, with 70% living in rural areas.
• Geography: Located in the Malay Archipelago, covering 14,874 square kilometers.
• Economy: A young democracy with a market economy, rich in natural resources (especially oil and gas), and classified as a lower middle-income country with a GNI per capita of over $1,500 in 2007.
• Living Standards: Non-oil per capita income is less than $400, indicating that most Timorese still live in poverty.

2. Environmental Priorities

• Indoor Air Pollution: A major health and economic burden, estimated to cost about $13 million annually (1.4% of GNI or 3.5% of GDP in 2006).
• Water Supply and Sanitation: A significant issue, costing around $17 million annually (2% of GNI or 5% of GDP in 2006).
• Outdoor Air Pollution: Not a current problem but could become one with rapid economic growth, urbanization, and industrialization.
• Land and Forestry Management: Limited data, but issues like deforestation and soil degradation are present.
• Coastal and Marine Resources: Relatively well-preserved, but need prudent management for future economic gains.

3. Policy and Institutional Context

• Environmental Legislation: Existing laws are outdated and not well recognized. Draft laws on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and pollution control were prepared in 2006 but not approved.
• Institutional Capacity: Weak and under-resourced, with the National Directorate for Environment (DNMA) and National Directorate for Water and Sanitation (DNSAS) as key bodies.
• Government Commitment: The GoTL has recognized the importance of environmental protection, but comprehensive frameworks are lacking.
• National Development Planning: Environmental issues are not given a strategic position in development plans, despite being critical for sustainable growth.

4. Key Challenges

• Data Deficiency: Lack of comprehensive data and public records hinders effective environmental management.
• Limited Human Resources: Insufficient skilled personnel to implement environmental policies.
• Economic Growth Pressures: As the economy grows, environmental degradation risks increase.
• Social and Political Instability: Past conflicts and ongoing challenges affect governance and development.

5. Recommended Operational Responses

• Legal and Regulatory Framework: Enact new environmental laws and regulations.
• Capacity Building: Strengthen human resources and institutional capabilities.
• Indoor Air Pollution Mitigation: Promote improved stoves, cleaner fuels, and health education.
• Water and Sanitation Improvement: Focus on hygiene education, latrine construction, and water treatment.
• Forward Planning: Implement territorial and development planning to anticipate environmental impacts of growth.

Key Information

• Economic Impact of Pollution: Indoor air pollution costs about $13 million annually, while inadequate water and sanitation cost about $17 million annually.
• Tourism Potential: Timor-Leste has world-class natural resources (coral reefs, forests) that could support a thriving tourism sector.
• Petroleum Fund: Income from oil production is managed through a Petroleum Fund to avoid economic instability.
• Post-Conflict Recovery: The country has faced significant post-conflict challenges, including infrastructure destruction and displacement of over 70% of the population in 1999.
• Demilitarization Progress: Significant strides have been made in reducing armed groups and integrating former resistance fighters into the military.

Conclusion

The Country Environmental Analysis highlights the urgent need for a robust environmental management framework and institutional capacity to address current and future environmental challenges. It emphasizes the importance of tackling indoor air pollution and water and sanitation issues, which have substantial economic and health impacts. The report also underscores the potential of natural resources, particularly oil and gas, to support sustainable development, provided they are managed responsibly.

Annexes Highlights

• Annex A: Estimation of national wealth, including both renewable and non-renewable resources.
• Annex B: Cost of indoor air pollution, including health and economic impacts.
• Annex C: Cost of inadequate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene.
• Annex D: Land management survey, highlighting practices and challenges in land use and conservation.
• Annex E: National Development Planning, indicating the need for environmental integration into development strategies.

Funding and Support

• The report was supported by the World Bank and the Bank Netherlands Partnership Program.
• It was developed with input from various stakeholders, including UNDP, JICA, and local institutions.

Acknowledgments

• Contributions from Jan Bojö, Fernanda Ruiz Nuñez, and others from the World Bank and UNDP.
• Peer reviews by Sergio Margulis, Juan Carlos Belausteguigoitia, and Poonam Pillai.
• Editing by Linda Starke.

This analysis serves as a foundation for future environmental policy and development strategies in Timor-Leste, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and institutional reforms.