Addressing Environmental Migration Resulting from Coastal Change In Timor-Leste

Elements of Innovation

• Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction
• Data, Research and Technology
• Social Cohesion and Community Participation

What is the project about?

Timor-Leste is severely exposed to climatic impacts in coastal areas. A significant proportion of its population resides in areas already impacted by coastal erosion and rising sea levels, leading to outmigration of many, and an ever-increasing exposure to risks for those who remain.

To tackle these challenges, this project aims to enable sustainable adaptation in communities that are vulnerable to mobility triggered by changing coastlines, particularly due to receding shores. The primary focus is to bolster capacities to address loss and damage related challenges while proactively preparing for potential coastal migration. This involves refining the evidence-base and reinforcing community-centered adaptation and development planning. By amplifying capacity, integrating adaptation and development planning, and leveraging data insights, the project seeks a sustainable and proactive stance toward coastal migration. This is contributing towards safeguarding the well-being and livelihoods of the communities involved.

How is the project innovative?

The project's innovation is exemplified by its use of cutting-edge technologies, particularly satellite imagery. The initiative introduces an underexplored approach to evidence-based decision making, through the deployment of a remote sensing-based national shoreline assessment. This method empowers governmental bodies and local communities to effectively address coastal damage, losses, and potential migration challenges. At its core, the project integrates data-driven methodologies into community-centered adaptation and development planning.

Analyzing decades of satellite images, the methodology reveals substantial erosion of 627 kilometers along the nation's 743kilometer coast. Coupled with population and infrastructure data, this precision enables the identification of areas most susceptible to immediate and future coastal risks. Beyond its quantitative impact, the project's emphasis on capacity development encourages legislative and programmatic advancements at the national level, underlining the potential of grassroots initiatives.