The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project recently celebrated the inauguration of the Tok Derek Women’s Cooperative fish shop in Uma Boko Village, Barique, Manatuto Municipality, Timor-Leste. The event, attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MALFF), accompanied by the Deputy Resident Representative (DRR) of UNDP Timor-Leste, showcased strong support for this initiative. From 8 to 10 May 2024, a series of activities were organised to promote local economic growth and sustainable practices, with the main event being the opening of the fish shop by the Minister and the UNDP DRR. This women-led cooperative is a significant step towards gender equality in the region, supporting the sustainable use of local coastal and marine resources.
Initiated in 2022, the Tok Derek Cooperative consists of 45 members (40 women and 5 men) from various coastal villages. The ATSEA-2 Project has supported the cooperative with training in accounting, financial management, aquaculture, and fish feed processing.
In 2023, ATSEA-2 helped build a shop centre and fishpond and provided necessary equipment. The cooperative now has a fully stocked shop with electricity, water, and a conference room, and a functioning fishpond. In December 2023, they harvested fish worth about USD 120. The cooperative is working to improve infrastructure, including expanding shop space and enhancing the clean water network with the Village Head’s support. Plans are underway to increase the number of fishponds, promising greater income from future harvests.
On 9 May 2024, the delegation from MALFF, the Secretary of State for Fisheries, the DRR of UNDP Timor-Leste, along with local leaders and community members from Manatuto and Barique, attended the fish shop inauguration. The new fish shop was officially opened by the Minister, H.E. Marcos da Cruz, Secretary of State for Fisheries, H.E. Domingos Conceicao dos Santos, and DRR of UNDP Timor-Leste, Adeline Carrier.
During the visit, the Minister expressed profound appreciation for the project’s intervention and encouraged the community to continue supporting activities aimed at community-resilient economic growth. Government members praised the ATSEA-2 Project for its concern for the coastal community and its contribution to increasing their income through the processing of marine resources. They urged the women’s cooperative to continue developing diligently and to manage financial resources effectively based on their training, with emphasis on managing fishponds to increase income from aquaculture activities.
Local authorities from Barique expressed strong satisfaction with the ATSEA-2 Project and other UNDP initiatives, recognising their significant support in village development. After the inauguration ceremony, the delegation inspected the fishpond managed by the Women’s Cooperative, where the Minister harvested around 80 kg of fish.
remarks during the field visit
The Tok Derek Cooperative, led by six women and two men, has made a significant impact on the local community. They operate a well-equipped shop with essential utilities and a conference room. Despite challenges, their December harvest generated around USD 120. The enthusiastic and cooperative community urged the government to continue supporting them, showing a strong sense of ownership during the inauguration. Maria da Gloria Mendes, the cooperative leader, highlighted their role in fostering economic growth and empowerment. The fishpond operation, managed by cooperative members according to aquaculture standards, plans to add more ponds for better results. Their training in management, accounting, financial management, and aquaculture has positively impacted the members. The cooperative is also awaiting results from selling basic necessities from the shop, reflecting their unity and effective management practices.
To ensure the continued success and sustainability of the Tok Derek Cooperative, several recommendations were made. These include enhancing women’s participation by ensuring that representatives from marginalised groups, such as the head of the cooperative, are included in official programs to share their experiences. Additionally, addressing infrastructure issues and developing an exit strategy that incorporates knowledge sharing with other successful cooperatives is crucial for long-term success. Finally, a debriefing session with the Climate Change and Environment (CCE) unit is recommended to address concerns and provide continuous support for the cooperative’s initiatives.
In the future, cooperative members plan to further develop their shops and fishponds to increase their income and expand their business. The local government supports and monitors their activities, as outlined in the letter of agreement between cooperative members and local authorities. They also plan to replace inactive members and recruit new ones based on cooperative policies and rules.
Another activity during the mission was the delegation’s visit to Aubeon Village to observe the program progress and the response of beneficiaries to the ATSEA-2 Project. The ATSEA-2 Project’s recent activities highlight the importance of community involvement, sustainable practices, and gender empowerment in achieving long-term development goals. The inauguration of the Tok Derek Women’s Cooperative and the field visits demonstrate the impact of collaborative efforts in fostering resilience and prosperity in the ATS region.
By Bernardo Belo and Stella Puteri