TIMOR-LESTE’S Nino Konis Santana National Park has been designated Timor-Leste’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, marking an international recognition of the park’s ecological and cultural value and giving the country a new boost for sustainable tourism.
The designation was approved on June 5 during the 38th Session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme (ICC-MAB), held at the Itaipu Biosphere Reserve in Hernandarias, Paraguay.
The Ministry of Tourism said the recognition strengthens Timor-Leste’s profile as a destination for nature-based travel and low-impact tourism.
Antonio da Silva, Director General of Tourism, said, “UNESCO’s recognition of Nino Konis Santana National Park as Timor-Leste’s first Biosphere Reserve is a proud moment for our country and a significant step forward for our tourism sector.”
He added: “As global demand grows for destinations that value sustainability, this recognition provides a powerful platform to attract travellers who want to explore responsibly and contribute positively to the places they visit.”
Located in Lauten Municipality at the eastern tip of the country, the Park spans terrestrial, coastal, and marine environments, including tropical forests, limestone landscapes, coral reefs, beaches, and culturally significant sites.
It also contains the country’s largest remaining primary forest, freshwater ecosystems around Lake Italiano and reef systems in the Coral Triangle that support rich marine life.
Officials said the UNESCO status broadens the country’s tourism offering, including birdwatching, hiking, snorkeling, diving, community-based cultural experiences and visits to sacred and archaeological sites.
The designation places one of Timor-Leste’s most distinctive landscapes on the global map and reinforces the government’s push to position the country as an emerging destination for eco-conscious travelers.
