ABSTRACT
The island of Timor has long been perceived as a possible stepping-stone in the migration route(s) that led modern humans to populate the Australasian continent for the first time. Research production in Timor increased in key areas such as geology, agricultural development, forestry, botany and archaeology. Australian archaeology was being established, and the history of early human settlement of the Australian continent became the focus of research there. Timor-Leste’s rich cultural heritage, including the protection of traditional practices and local crafts. The culture sector has clear programmatic lines and an organic structure that seeks to respond to the many challenges it faces. If properly linked to cultural and artistic endeavour, it can foster economic development through cultural creative industries and ensure that the country will make use of its cultural resources as a trigger for income generation, poverty reduction and economic growth.
