Lautém, October 24, 2026 — The Secretary of State for General Secondary Education and Technical-Vocational Secondary Education (ESG-ESTV), Domingos Lopes Lemos, Lic. Ed., MM, attended the unveiling ceremony for the “Lenuk Tasi” (Sea Turtle) sculpture and the launch of an awareness campaign on “Blue Economy Education.” The event, held in the Municipality of Lautém this past Saturday, drew approximately 500 participants.
In his remarks, the Secretary of State expressed his appreciation for the Office of Land and Maritime Borders (GFTM), which spearheaded this initiative in coordination with the Ministry of Education and the Lautém Municipal Authority.
He explained that the “Lenuk Tasi” sculpture is part of a broader awareness campaign on the Blue Economy, aimed at strengthening public consciousness regarding the protection of the marine environment, waste management, and the responsible use of natural resources.
The sculpture will also serve as a collection point for empty plastic bottles, encouraging recycling practices and engaging students, youth, and local communities in efforts to reduce plastic pollution in the sea and along coastal areas.
The Secretary of State urged students to become agents of change in protecting the environment. He encouraged primary school students to avoid the indiscriminate disposal of waste, and challenged students in general and technical-vocational secondary education to apply their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit by transforming plastic materials into new products with economic value.
He emphasized that every plastic bottle collected and recycled represents a contribution toward the conservation of marine biodiversity and the preservation of Timor-Leste’s natural heritage for future generations. The initiative in Lautém continues the environmental awareness efforts that began with the unveiling of the “Ikan Azúl” sculpture in Dili in 2024. Through this campaign, the Government promotes the understanding that protecting the ocean and developing the Blue Economy is a responsibility shared by all citizens of Timor-Leste.
At the conclusion of the event, the Secretary of State officially unveiled the “Lenuk Tasi” sculpture in the Municipality of Lautém and called upon the entire community to work together to foster responsible waste disposal habits and strengthen recycling efforts.
“Let’s join forces: dispose of waste responsibly, recycle, and save the ocean in Lautém!”
