About Us
Established in Dili in 2014 by a group of students from the Biology Department of Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL), Konservasaun Flora and Fauna (KFF) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding Timor-Leste’s biodiversity in both its terrestrial and marine environments. Motivated by the degradation of Dili’s mangrove sites due to increasing human activity in the early 2000s, the students took action to restore these crucial habitats.
Since its inception, KFF has viewed forest and wildlife conservation as integral to promoting environmental stewardship in Timor-Leste, thus enhancing the well-being of its people. The organization’s efforts are predominantly apolitical, focusing on educational campaigns, research initiatives, habitat mapping, monitoring, mangrove reforestation, ecotourism infrastructure development, and other environmental advocacy activities.
Over the past decade, KFF has concentrated its conservation and educational endeavors primarily in Dili and Liquiça municipalities, achieving milestones such as propagating hundreds of thousands of mangrove seedlings and safeguarding over 60 hectares of mangrove forest through fencing and educational programs.
Collaborating extensively with entities including development partners, research bodies, international NGOs, and local communities, KFF currently oversees the Mangrove Learning Center in Hera, Dili municipality, in close partnership with the Forestry Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, and Fisheries (MALFF) of Timor-Leste.
Vision
The strategic management plan’s vision informs how KFF projects itself in the long run. The year of 2034 is set as a specific deadline for achieving all stated goals and objectives.
“KFF envision a future where conservation of wildlife and forest will be the main gateway to establish nature conservation in Timor-Leste which benefits the lives of Timorese people.”
Mission
“We use research and action-oriented approaches to promote the conservation of terrestrial and marine habitats, securing their ecosystem services and conserving biodiversity for a better future.”
Core values
To fulfill its mission, to achieve its goals, and to implement its strategic plans, KFF is guided by the following values: