In the isolated exclave of Oecusse in Timor Leste, a community is banding together to challenge an environmental issue that affects us all—plastic pollution. Despite its remote location, bordered by the Savu Sea and nestled within Indonesian territory, Oecusse faces a problem familiar worldwide: the pervasive spread of plastic waste.
Since 2001, an inspiring initiative led by Judy Carnaud of the E Club of Greater Sydney and the local NGO, GREEN TL, has ignited a wave of environmental consciousness within this community of 70,000. The annual event, Clean Up Oecusse Day, has become a beacon of community engagement and environmental education. Last year’s event saw neighbours unite with an infectious sense of purpose, removing heaps of plastic litter from their beaches, challenging their prevailing notion that litter simply « disappears. » Bag after bag was filled, each one a small victory in the larger battle to protect their environment and educate about the perils of non-biodegradable waste.
The people of Oecusse, traditionally accustomed to organic refuse that nature could easily reclaim, now face the daunting task of adapting to the realities of plastic, polystyrene, and glass. These materials, alien to the region’s natural cycle, do not disappear with the tide or turn to dust under the sun. They persist, challenging the community to confront and change long-standing habits and perceptions.
Through the lens of Clean Up Oecusse Day, we witness more than just a beach cleanup; we see the awakening of environmental consciousness. This event serves not only to clear the sands of debris but also to ignite a broader dialogue about sustainability, waste management, and our shared responsibility to the planet.
Visualize the scene: vibrant communities converging on sandy shores, bags in hand, as they meticulously collect the remnants of modern convenience that have marred their natural paradise. The collected waste, encapsulating the urgent need for change, is then loaded into a ute, in a collective effort. An abandoned skip bin at the local tip becomes a resting place for these relics of consumerism, a poignant symbol of refuse as a catalyst for awareness. Yet, the journey doesn’t end here. Amidst the hard work, there’s a moment of simple joy—a swim in a humble puddle, a reminder of the pure happiness that nature offers!
This story from Oecusse is not just a narrative of cleanup but a clarion call for a cultural shift. It embodies the transition from passive acceptance to proactive change, highlighting the essential truth that plastic is not transient—it endures, challenging us to rethink our habits and embrace sustainable practices.
As this community stands at the forefront of environmental advocacy in their region, we’re reminded of the ripple effect one group can have, inspiring others across Timor Leste and beyond. As the cultural anthropologist, Margaret Mead, said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has”.
One question lingers, however. How long until the rubbish returns? But with each bag collected, each local mind enlightened, we edge closer to our vision of a future where the answer might just be ‘never again.’
As we share the story of GREEN TL and the resilient community of Oecusse, we extend an invitation to all: join this noble endeavour, whether by lending a hand, spreading the word, or simply reflecting on our own impact on the earth. Together, we can forge a future where the beauty of Oecusse, and places like it around the world, is preserved for generations to come—a future where our actions reflect our respect and love for the natural world.
This story is written by Melanie Lewis and based on the account of Judy Charnaud, E Club of Greater Sydney (D9685, Australia)