Tata Kelola Hutan Mangrove Berkelanjutan di Desa Uwedikan: Mewujudkan Keberlanjutan Ekosistem melalui Skema Perhutanan Sosial
Mangrove forests play a crucial role in maintaining coastal ecosystem balance and serve as a buffer for communities reliant on marine resources. In Uwedikan Village, East Luwuk District, Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, mangroves not only provide habitats for various marine species but also offer significant economic resources, particularly through the management of non-timber forest products (NTFPs).
Uwedikan Village in Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi, is one of the locations for sustainable mangrove forest management in a collaborative program with Japesda.
However, the local community faces substantial challenges due to ecosystem degradation caused by land conversion into aquaculture ponds and unsustainable mangrove wood exploitation. To address these threats, the Natural Resource Management Advocacy Network (Japesda) organized a discussion on Sustainable Mangrove Forest Governance through Social Forestry Schemes in early 2024. This event brought together Uwedikan villagers, government officials, and various stakeholders to develop a more equitable and sustainable mangrove forest management model via social forestry.
Impacts of Mangrove Land Conversion
During the discussion, participants identified two primary factors affecting mangrove sustainability in Uwedikan: untapped potential and ecosystem degradation threats.
Converting mangrove areas into aquaculture ponds has diminished coastal ecosystem quality, directly impairing mangroves' ecological functions, such as erosion control, carbon sequestration, and providing critical habitats for marine life. Additionally, harvesting mangrove wood for household needs poses further threats to these forests. Although traditional, without proper regulation and management, such activities exacerbate ecosystem degradation.
Overlay analyses of satellite imagery between pond locations and designated land use reveal that some ponds are situated within protected forest areas. 2024
Conversely, the region holds significant economic potential from NTFPs like mangrove fruits, which can be processed into value-added products such as syrups or traditional sweets. However, local communities have yet to fully capitalize on this potential due to limited knowledge and processing infrastructure.
Community Empowerment and Ecosystem Conservation
Social forestry offers a viable solution for mangrove ecosystem sustainability and community welfare. This scheme grants communities legal forest management rights, enabling sustainable resource utilization and economic benefits. With these rights, communities can protect mangrove areas from conversion threats and environmentally unfriendly practices.
Through social forestry, Uwedikan villagers can form forest management groups to collaboratively plan and manage mangrove areas. The discussion yielded strategic steps, including sustainable mangrove management training and area mapping to identify protection and utilization zones.
Discussion activities on recognition and sustainable management of mangrove forests through social forestry schemes in Uwedikan Village
Action Plans and Implementation: Towards Sustainable Mangrove Management
The discussion resulted in a joint action plan focusing on community empowerment and stakeholder engagement in mangrove forest management, encompassing:
Enhancing Community Capacity
Through training and technical assistance, locals will learn to optimally utilize NTFPs without harming the mangrove ecosystem. Training topics include product processing, conservation, and sustainable management.
Mangrove Area Mapping and Zoning
Developing maps that delineate protection and utilization zones is a priority. This mapping will aid communities and local governments in making informed decisions regarding mangrove area management.
Strengthening Mangrove Forest Governance Policies
The discussion encourages village authorities to incorporate social forestry schemes into official documents and expedite management permit applications. Establishing a robust legal foundation is essential for community-led mangrove management.
Conclusion: Path to Sustainability and Community Welfare
Managing mangrove forests in Uwedikan Village through social forestry is not only about ecosystem preservation but also enhancing local livelihoods. The strategic measures outlined provide communities with opportunities to gain economic benefits while safeguarding their environment. Collaboration among communities, governments, and NGOs like Japesda and Yayasan Pesisir Lestari is vital in developing sustainable mangrove forest governance models.
The success of this program can serve as a model for other regions implementing social forestry schemes to achieve environmental sustainability and bolster local economies.
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