A new set of integrated policy actions is helping chart a coordinated and practical pathway for the growth of Timor-Leste's emerging blue economy. Led by Dr Madura Thivanka, Research Fellow at Edith Cowan University, and supervised by Professor Sarah Gardiner and Professor Noel Scott from Griffith University's Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT), the work provides a roadmap to support government, industry and community partners as they pursue sustainable, resilient coastal development.
Timor-Leste's rich marine environments, extensive coastline and growing interest in coastal tourism place the country at a critical moment. As the government seeks to diversify beyond petroleum dependence, opportunities in coastal tourism, small-scale fisheries, marine conservation and community enterprise are increasingly recognised. However, realising this potential requires coherent policy settings, strong community engagement, and targeted investment in infrastructure and skills.
The research team's ten integrated policy actions respond directly to these needs, outlining a strategic framework that links environmental stewardship with livelihoods, visitor experience development, community empowerment and institutional coordination. As Dr Thivanka explains, "A thriving blue economy is more than the sum of its industries-it's about aligning policy, people and place to create long-term value for communities."
Building an evidence-guided roadmap
Developed through consultations with tourism operators, government agencies, development partners and coastal communities, the policy actions are designed to ensure practical relevance and adaptability. They focus on strengthening governance structures, expanding local skills and enterprise development, improving environmental and climate resilience, and expanding the quality and diversity of coastal tourism offerings.
The framework highlights that tourism depends on healthy ecosystems and effective cross-ministerial cooperation. As Professor Noel Scott notes,
"In places like Timor-Leste, tourism and conservation are deeply interconnected-policy must recognise and support this relationship if sustainable growth is the goal."
Ten policy actions for Timor-Leste's blue economy (2025-2027)
Led by Dr Madura Thivanka, under the supervision of Professor Sarah Gardiner and Professor Noel Scott at GIFT, the ten integrated policy actions outline a coordinated roadmap for government, industry and community collaboration:
- Implement site stewardship and conservation frameworks to protect reefs and marine habitats.
- Establish eco-certification programs aligned with global standards such as EarthCheck.
- Promote gender equality initiatives through mentorship and leadership programs for women.
- Advance disability-inclusive tourism via upgraded infrastructure and staff training.
- Develop climate resilience and disaster risk management plans embedded in national tourism policy.
- Strengthen stakeholder collaboration frameworks integrating tourism, environment and community governance.
- Leverage international partnerships and green financing to build capacity and innovation.
- Diversify and enhance marine and coastal tourism experiences.
- Promote private-sector investment through public-private partnerships.
- Ensure inclusive marine tourism growth so benefits reach small enterprises and local communities.
Each action includes suggested outcomes, timelines and ministry-specific implementation steps to support long-term tourism viability.
Griffith's wider blue-economy research in Timor-Leste
The roadmap forms part of a broader portfolio of Griffith-led research supporting sustainable development across Timor-Leste and the Asia-Pacific. Blue-economy initiatives within GIFT are being advanced by Associate Professor Anna Kralj, Professor Brent Moyle, Adjunct Professor Gui Lohmann and Dr Aimee Reidel, specialising in destination development, visitor behaviour, mobility and community-centred tourism planning.
Current work explores ways to strengthen marine-based livelihoods, design community-benefiting visitor experiences, support climate-resilient tourism, improve connectivity for remote coastal regions and align tourism, fisheries and conservation policy.
Why integrated actions matter
Timor-Leste's blue economy potential is significant, but challenges remain, including uneven infrastructure, variable local capacity and fragmented regulation. The integrated actions help address these gaps by articulating shared priorities, encouraging targeted investment, and embedding inclusive development-especially for women, young people and small enterprises.
Blue Economy Research Fellow Chathurika De Zoysa reflected on the fellowship's impact:
"This fellowship empowered me to become a catalyst for sustainable practices in marine tourism."
A platform for ongoing collaboration
GIFT continues to support resilient, inclusive blue-economy development through applied research and regional partnerships. Griffith's tourism experts welcome collaboration with governments, NGOs, development agencies, and business networks seeking to strengthen blue economy policy or address tourism challenges.
For more information or to explore partnership opportunities, contact [email protected]
