Dili, June 12, 2026 – The National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT), through INCT’s National Director of Technology and Innovation, Ms. Jacinta dos Santos Guterres, together with the National and International Principal Investigator, conducted data collection and in-depth interviews with strategic partners from the private sector and civil society, such as: “Associação Marinheiro Timor-Leste”; “Dreamers Dive Academic (DDA)”; “Compass Diving” and “Dive Timor Lorosa’e,” to cover the maritime area from Jako Island (Lautém), Dili, and Ataúro Island, to the Ambeno Special Administrative Region (RAEOA – Oe-cusse).
This activity, conducted as part of scientific research on the blue economy under the theme “International Study on the Development of the ASEAN Maritime Tourism Route in Timor-Leste,” aims primarily to collect relevant data and information to identify and map the tourism potential related to the maritime sector in Timor-Leste. It also contributes to the promotion and development of maritime tourism destinations in Timor-Leste.
During this activity, the blue economy research team held meetings and technical discussions with operators in the maritime tourism sector, such as the “Timor-Leste Sailors Association,” “Dreamers Dive Academic (DDA),” “Dive Timor Lorosa’e,” and “Compass Diving.” These discussions focused on the potential for developing maritime tourism in Timor-Leste, particularly on mapping maritime tourist routes, monitoring coral biodiversity, and coastal recreation.
The results of this activity will contribute to the mapping of maritime tourism routes in Timor-Leste, to the formulation of policies and strategies for the development of maritime tourism within the blue economy sector in Timor-Leste, as well as to a better understanding of the contributions and additional information gathered from tour operators and stakeholders in the maritime sector. This data and information are crucial for supporting the analysis of policies and regulations on maritime tourism and marine conservation, in order to ensure the development of a sustainable blue economy sector in Timor-Leste.
The following individuals attended the meeting: INCT’s National Director of Technology and Innovation, Ms. Jacinta dos Santos Guterres; National Principal Investigators, Dr. Mário Marques Cabral and Dr. Feliciano Quintas do Céu, along with their team; International Principal Investigator, Prof. I Nyoman Sunarta and Mr. Moh. Saifulloh; the Association of Seafarers of Timor-Leste, Mr. Simplício Ximenes; Dreamers Dive Academic (DDA), Ms. Terezinha Teme; Compass Diving, Mr. Robert Reginald Crean and Dive Timor Lorosa’e, Mr. Simon Jeffefry.