Abstract :
Atauro Island, Timor-Leste, illustrates the paradox of the “blue economy trap,” where exceptional marine biodiversity coexists with persistent socio-economic vulnerability. This study investigates the influence of ecological, economic, social, technological, and institutional (Tara Bandu) dimensions on sustainability, integrating gender perspectives throughout. Using mixed methods focus group discussions (n=35), surveys (n=200), and validation through Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) the research constructs and tests locally relevant indicators. Results show that social cohesion, distributive justice, and gender inclusion exert the strongest influence (β = 0.533; p < 0.001), followed by economic (β = 0.175; p < 0.001) and ecological dimensions (β = 0.104; p = 0.005). Technological interventions had a negative effect (β = -0.076; p = 0.041), while Tara Bandu was not statistically significant (β = 0.221; p = 0.080). Collectively, the five dimensions explained 74.5% of sustainability variance (R² = 0.745). The study concludes that sustainability in small-island contexts depends less on ecological wealth alone and more on social equity, participatory governance, and gender-transformative policies, offering methodological and practical guidance for Timor-Leste and other small-island nations.
