<![CDATA[Deforestation in Timor-Leste continues at a rate of 10,000-12,000 hectares/year. Nevertheless, existing reforestation research remains theoretically fragmented, prioritizing biophysical and technical dimensions while neglecting the spiritual and attitudinal values that drive participatory environmental behavior among youth-led movement. This study examines the causal pathways through which ecological spirituality, operationalized through the three dimensions of Laudato Si' (spiritual, lifestyle, and societal), drives environmental attitudes, mediates youth participation in reforestation, and ultimately produces ecological and social outcomes. The research method used is a qualitative approach complemented by a basic ecological assessment (mixed-method light). This study engaged 23 purposively selected informants through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, complemented by field ecological measurements including land suitability assessment and plant survival rate at two reforestation sites in Díli, Timor-Leste. The three dimensions of Laudato Si' ecological spirituality function as interconnected psychological mechanisms of values internalization that progressively transform individual moral awareness into collective environmental action; however, despite strong spiritual motivation, youth participation remained predominantly consultative (Arnstein’s tokenism level) due to centralized decision-making and limited resource autonomy, while field assessment classified both reforestation sites as marginally suitable (S3), with plant survival rates of 50%-80% with drought-tolerant neem (Azadirachta indica) achieving the highest survival rate (80%). ]]>
