Cultural Determinants of Integrated Coastal Fisheries Management Achieving the Blue Economy of the Bononaro Coastal Community of Timor-Leste

Long-term economic development of Timor-Leste can be guaranteed its sustainability by relying on productive sectors, namely fisheries resource management, since the last two decades after independence it has only relied on non-renewable oil and natural gas and is predicted to run out in the next two or three decades. Therefore, economic development based on the blue economy is absolutely necessary. According to data from the last 10 years, 68,413 households or 33% of all households in Timor-Leste involved in some form of fisheries activity. Of these fisheries households, 58,473 (85%) are involved in aquaculture, 3,823 households (6%) are involved in fishing alone, and 6,117 households (9%). Now as a member of PEMSEA, Timor-Leste has adopted the 2012 Changwon Declaration and compromised to optimize the implementation of SDS-SEA. Therefore, the country adopted the SDS-SEA Implementation Plan for the region as a timely and important next step in to achieve a marine-based blue economy. This study aims to 1). Find out how Cultural Factors in Integrated Management of Fisheries Sub-sector in Bobonaro Municipality, 2). Find out how Integrated Management of Fisheries Sub-sector affects the livelihoods of coastal communities in Bobonaro Municipality can be an important pillar in the transition of Timor-Leste’s blue economy development, 3). Find out how local cultural wisdom (Tara-Bandu) as part of the multifunctional system of Fisheries Sub-sector development in Bobonaro. The research method used in this study is a descriptive quantitative analysis of Contribution and participation in Tara-bandu traditional and cultural ceremonies. The results of this study are expected to find the right method to support the development of the blue economy in Timor-Leste, in an effective and efficient way to create a prosperous and healthy coastal community.