Recognizing the value of human-shaped natural environment in Timor-Leste for food security Marcal Gusmao 1,2, Cristovão Pereira da C. Martins 2 & Peter Pechacek 2 1 Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, National University of Timor-Leste 2 Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Environment, Secretariat of State for the Environment, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Summary Timor-Leste’s natural environment is being transformed into a predominantly degraded rural agricultural landscape due to the human exploitation of natural resources and unsustainable land management. Limited agricultural productivity related to water shortages, weeds and pest infestations as well as low soil fertility does not meet the demands of the growing population. Thus, protecting the country’s natural environment is directly linked to the need to improve food security through advancing the farming system, and introducing appropriate technologies to increase yields of crops. Introduction Timor-Leste is the youngest nation in South-East Asia. The country is part of the Wallacea region, which has been recognized by Conservation International as one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots worldwide. Available evidence suggests a high level of endemism. However, the country’s natural environment is being transformed into a predominantly rural agricultural landscape of low productivity and degraded range lands due to the human exploitation of forest, marine and agricultural resources and the unsustainable land management practices (Fig. 1). Less than 6% of the country contains primary vegetation. Subsistence farming using rice, maize, cassava, coconut, potato and cabbage is the major source of livelihood. Fig. 1: Degradation of natural environment through deforestation. Food Insecurity Limited agricultural productivity related to water shortages, weeds and pest infestations as well as low soil fertility does not meet the demands of the growing population. The current farming system does not provide food security, and is largely unsustainable due to the common practice of “slash and burn”, and subsequent problems associated with heavy rainfalls especially in upland areas (more than 2000 mm per year) with highly erodible soils distributed on steep slopes. Ultimately, the growth of crops is poor and yields are low. Deforestation Conversion of forests to obtain areas for cultivating crops has negative consequences including loss of forest species and ecosystems, surface runoff, soil erosion, frequent landslides, increasing sedimentation and flooding, and loss of water resources (Fig. 2). Fig. 2: Expansion of farming activities to fulfill food security of the family clans is the key driver behind deforestation. Other drivers include the need for fuel wood and timber. Conclusion Protecting the country’s natural environment is linked to the need to improve food security through advanced farming, and introducing appropriate technologies to increase yields of crops (Fig. 3). For example, attempts are being undertaken to intercrop maize with mucuna, where mucuna continues to grow after maize harvesting, to introduce alley cropping (agroforestry), and to use high yielding varieties. Additionally, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP ) are inter alia designed for combating low agricultural production and assist in building resilient ecosystems. Fig. 3: Use of appropriate technologies and high yielding varieties is thought to increase yields of important crops such as those of rice. Acknowledgement We thank the UNU-IAS for funding our attendance at the Fourth IPSI Global Conference (IPSI-4). IPSI Activity Cluster: Policy Research On-the-Ground Activities Photo: Peter Pechacek Photo: Marcal Gusmao