As we all know, climate change poses challenges to developed and developing countries alike, including Timor-Leste. Now, we witness the impact of climate change in our country such as increased rainfall. As a result of heavy rainfall, the roads leading to the districts and the bridges were destroyed by landslides and the heavy flow of river waters. It also destroyed the agricultural plantations, which is the source of livelihood in communities.

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Based on these facts, we noted the need to build the awareness of the community people regarding the issue of climate change. We conducted a meeting with the local community, including primary schools in the district and tried to convince them that climate change occurred because of human activities. We presented facts such as the increased in carbon emission contributed by industries, transportation, and slash-and-burn activities resulting in temperature increase. But we also informed them that something can still be done to address climate change, if we all work together. We encouraged the community to contribute by refraining from cutting and burning forests for farming, collecting trash in their surroundings, turning off electronic items when not in use, and planting trees in the critical areas (e.g., river banks, watershed areas) and in the free land.

The activity was part of the two-month community service of students from the National University of Timor-Leste in the District of Oe-cusse, which started on 23 July 2010. With the activity, students are given the opportunity to learn and work together with the local community. Before the actual service, we also endeavored to identify the common environmental problems in the community and developed action plans to help the local community. The issues identified include decreased fertility of soils, erosion, landslides and limited access to clean water.