Traditional Land Use Systems and the well-being of Rural Timor-Leste

Resumo / Abstract: Natural ecosystems and traditional land use systems have an important role in the life and well being of the rural population of Timor-Leste. Land, the support of natural ecosystems and subsistence agriculture of rural populations of Timor Leste, is the main focus of this research.

The objectives are: 1) to identify the different land use patterns of Timor-Leste and the functions provided; 2) to classify the goods and services produced in terms of value and type of good; 3) to relate the goods and services produced by land use patterns with the well-being of Timor-Leste rural population and,4)to reflect on the role that the different land patterns will have on rural development of Timor-Leste.

This paper is based on a multidisciplinary approach incorporating contributions from several fields of knowledge, and uses documentary sources, field observations and interviews conducted in 2003, 2009 and 2010.

The main land use patterns in Timor-Leste are natural and semi-natural ecosystems, subsistence agriculture, sacred, housing, basic infrastructures and industries and services, which produce a set of goods and services classified in the supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural functions. These goods and services have a public, common and private nature with direct use, ecological and bequest values and are essential for the survival and well-being of Timor-Leste rural communities.

Outros seminários / Other seminars: Programa completo / Full programme.