Poverty is mostly concentrated in rural areas. Timor-Leste depends highly on food imports. Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for about 80% of the population, and is mostly subsistence agriculture. Timor-Leste is very vulnerable to climate change and disasters.

Coffee production in Timor-Leste started during Portuguese times. It is the largest non-oil export. Coffee is grown by about 37% of Timorese households. Most coffee growers are poor. Improving coffee quality and productivity is a key to improving their income.

The European Space Agency and the Asian Development Bank have partnered up to use Earth observation data for monitoring coffee plantations in Timor-Leste.

This allows us to intervene quickly and provide appropriate support to coffee farmers. This way of monitoring from above is very effective because it is less costly, much quicker and gives us the full picture.

This agroforestry system helps preserve the environment. The shade trees help stabilize the soils on steep slopes, increase the infiltration of rainfall to aquifers, absorb carbon, and provide a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. It also helps improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, and provides a source of edible fruits.

This pilot experience from Timor-Leste can be used in other countries in Southeast Asia. It can be easily applied to other crops and farming systems to improve people’s livelihoods.

My message to visitors of the Space for our Planet exhibition is based on a quote from anthropologist Margaret Mead who said:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has”.

Let’s protect our planet – we can all make a difference.