Pollution refers to contaminants of various kinds that are introduced into the environment, resulting in instability or harm to an ecosystem, including to biodiversity and human health.  Globally, pollution from nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, pesticides and hazardous chemicals and plastics has been found to have particularly harmful impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services.  This target contributes to achieving SDGs 6, 11, 14, and 15.

While there is minimal industrial pollution in Timor-Leste, poor agricultural practices, deforestation that result in erosion and nutrient loss, and waste plastics are important sources of pollution.  In particular, because tourism is an important economic priority for government, the accumulation of plastic and rubber along coastal areas, on beaches, and on the reefs is of great concern.  Resolving this issue requires stronger legislation on imports of plastics of all types, placing the onus for collection of used materials on vendors and producers, and much improved enforcement to reduce littering.

Responsible Ministry(ies): MAFFL, MTE, Ministry of State Administration, Ministry of Public Works

Actions:

1. Improve controls on import and sales of chemical pesticides and increase the use of biological controls and natural pesticides such as Neem, diatomaceous earth, and bacterial insecticides.

2. Establish an environmental laboratory to conduct environmental testing (e.g., for hazardous substances in marine organisms), inspection, monitoring, and enforcement.

3. Develop extension programs on the use of alternative herbicides, insecticides and natural fertilizers for communities.

4. Reverse the onus for plastic waste to the producers/sellers, rather than on the consumers, through a system of deposit and collection for recycling that must be maintained by the importers/retailers.

5. Work to improve ‘Decree Law 14/2017 Customs Code’ that currently has no articles or provisions directly preventing plastic pollution, including enforcement measures that clearly articulate how enforcement will be carried out.

6. Work at the international level to develop regional partnerships for recycling and development of regional plastic pollution elimination and recycling plans.

7. Create and strengthen policies or laws to prevent pollution in estuaries, beaches and at sea, and implement the "Zero Plastics Policy".

8. Raise community awareness of how to ‘Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle’.