Tasitolu
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Tasitolu Tasi tolu |
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 Tasitolu
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| Coordinates: 8°34′S 125°30′E / 8.567°S 125.500°ECoordinates: 8°34′S 125°30′E / 8.567°S 125.500°E | |
| Country | East Timor |
| District | Dili |
| Subdistrict | Dom Aleixo |
| Suco | Comoro |
Tasitolu (Tasi tolu, translates as "three waters") is a protected area on the coast of East Timor, 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) west of the capital Dili. The Tasitolu wetlands include three saline lakes, an esplanade, and a beach; it has been designated a Wetland of National Significance. Tasitolu Peace Park was designated in 2002 because of its cultural and historical importance. The Tasitolu Important Bird Area accommodates several near-threatened species. A 2004 reforestation project, which included community member participation, was funded by the national government. Subsequent to the 2006 East Timorese crisis, several hundred people sought refuge at Tasitolu's tent camp, established by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. INTERFET, an Australian-led international military Peace Keeping Force governed by the United Nations, has established a base at Tasitolu.
Tasitolu lies in the west of the Comoro Suco, in the Dom Aleixo subdistrict. It is part of the Dili District, which is the smallest of East Timor's thirteen districts, while being the most heavily populated, and the economic and political center of the country. Situated on the northern coast of Timor island, which is the easternmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands, Tasitolu is on the Wetar Strait/Strait of WetarSavu Sea. It is accessed by the Dili-Kupang road. Tasitolu Bus Station is located 500 metres (1,600 ft) to the north of the easternmost lake, and another transportation hub, the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, is 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) away.
Lying at an altitude of 0–403 metres (0–1,322 ft) above sea level, the 700 hectares (1,700 acres) protected area (whole area: 1,540 hectares (3,800 acres)) consists of three permanent, shallow, saline lakes, and wetland surrounds. In some years, the water of the lakes turns red, probably due to red algae. There are also headwater ridges and a beach. The beach area has several dive sites which are developed for tourists. Reef visibility is excellent, there are no currents, and the sandy bank slopes gradually. A narrow, saline esplanade is situated between the mountain and sea. Tasitolu, Areia Branca, Hera, Metinaro, and Tibar are part of a coastal wetlands network of extensive mudflat and mangrove habitats.
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