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                                    1st Int. Transborder Conf. of the Timor Island: Timor %u2013 Science without borderDili, 7-8 May 2025111Integrated Assessment of the Mota-Masin Transboundary Watershed Between Indonesia and Timor-Leste in Tilomar and Fatumea, Covalima through Evaluating Hydrological, Geological, and SocioEconomic Dynamics for Sustainable ManagementE.A. Serr%u00e3o1*, D.C.B.B. Gomes2, G. Gomes1, M. Gomes3, C.C. de Deus3and C.A. Mali-Code11Department of Animal Husbandry of the Faculty of Agriculture of the Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa%u2019e (UNTL), Timor-Leste 2Department of Forestry Science, UNTL, Timor-Leste.3Department of Agri-Socio Economic of the Faculty of Agriculture, UNTL, Timor-Leste*Corresponding autor: eduardoaserrao@untl.edu.tlAbstractTransboundary watersheds, such as the Mota-Masin watershed located between Timor-Leste and West Timor, Indonesia, encompass complex ecological, hydrological, and socio-economic dynamics. This study aims to establish a comprehensive baseline assessment of the watershed to inform effective management practices. Field surveys conducted from February 2 to 7, 2022, evaluated hydrological features, geological characteristics, climatic conditions, socio-economic factors, and risks associated with drought and flooding. The results revealed significant variability in water volume and flow rates among springs. Notably, Spring Weikmahar exhibited a volume of 11.19 mm%u00b3 and a flow rate of 0.2 liters/second, indicating limitations in meeting local demands, while springs such as Belulik Avo Feto and Wemutik, with a volume of 23.99 mm%u00b3 and flow rates of 0.3 to 0.4 liters/second, demonstrated robust hydrological capability, supporting agricultural and domestic needs. Additionally, the main river's flow decreases significantly during dry seasons, with instances of complete drying recorded, leading to the formation of a lake in the downstream section near the coastline. Geological analyses identified five primary soil types within the watershed: Alfisols, Ultisols, Entisols, Mollisols, and Inceptisols. Soils were predominantly clay and sandy clay, with a pH range of 6.9 to 8.1, highlighting potential deficiencies in iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) that necessitate sustainable agricultural practices. Climate assessments revealed a warm, humid tropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 25%u00baC to 27%u00baC and annual rainfall between 1,000 mm and over 2,000 mm, characterized by significant variability influenced by the El Ni%u00f1o and La Ni%u00f1a phenomena. Socio economic assessments indicated that approximately 93.68% of the 4,028 individuals in the watershed depend on subsistence agriculture as their main income source, thus exposing them to vulnerability from climatic fluctuations. Agricultural practices include the cultivation of staple crops such as maize (296.65 ha) and cassava (202.5 ha), with an estimated total annual yield of approximately 3,288.6 tons, surpassing the community's estimated demand for food. The findings emphasize the necessity for integrated management strategies that address water resource efficiency, soil health, and community engagement. Recommendations include promoting agroforestry practices, enhancing water conservation measures, and fostering community cooperation in resource management. This study contributes valuable insights for sustainable development in the Mota-Masin watershed, aiming to strengthen ecological integrity while supporting local livelihoods, ultimately ensuring resilience against the anticipated impacts of climate change. Keywords: Transboundary Watershed, Mota-Masin, Hydrology, Soil Types, Climate Change, Socio Economic Assessment.
                                
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