Dili, July 31, 2026 – The National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT) organized a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) activity on the theme: Development of Maritime Tourism Routes and Strategic Planning of Port Connectivity in Support of the Blue Economy in Timor-Leste.
The objective of this activity is to provide an opportunity for representatives from ministries, government institutions, development partners, academia, the private sector, and researchers to share ideas, experiences, and recommendations on the development of maritime tourism routes, strategic connectivity between ports, and the opportunity to promote the implementation of the Blue Economy in Timor-Leste.
As part of the research implementation, the team collected data in the municipalities of Lautém (Lospalos), Baucau, Manatuto, Dili, and RAEOA/Oecusse. The collected data will be analyzed in conjunction with the results of the focus group discussion to produce scientific recommendations that can support the formulation of public policies and sustainable development plans for the maritime tourism sector and the blue economy in Timor-Leste.
This FGD activity included the participation of the Vice-President I of the INCT Executive Council, Dr. Valentim Ximenes, the Executive Secretary of the INCT, Dr. Maria Elsa Diogo Correia, the National Director of the INCT, the National Principal Investigator, Dr. Mário Marques Cabral, Dr. Feliciano Quintas do Céu, with the team, the International Senior Researcher, Prof. Dr. Drs. I Nyoman Sunarta, Ir. Moh. Saifulloh, the Municipal Secretary of Planning, Administration, Investment and Integrated Development of the Municipal Authority of Dili, Mr. Filomeno Maria da Silva Smith, the Director of DNTM, Mr. Helder P.M. de Carvalho, the Vice-President of ATTL.IP, Dr. Idelfonso da Silva, the National Director of Environment ANLA, Dr. Antonio Lelo Tasi, APORTIL.IP, MTA, AMD, CTL, DDA, SEAMORE.
