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Collaborative Environmental Project in Indonesia ENVIRONMENTAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT |
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Most tambak systems in Sulawesi have been established through the conversion of coastal mangrove forests. Improper siting and limited use of proven aquaculture technologies have made many of these tambaks marginally productive, and largely responsible for the extensive coastal degradation occuring in Sulawesi. Large areas (estimated at up to 50%) of tambak have been abandoned because of poor crop production. This has resulted in significant financial losses for farmers, as well as the loss of free ecological services, and the biodiversity, once provided by the original coastal ecosystem. This project at Samatarung, Kabupaten Sinjai, is being implemented by the Aquaculture Working Group at BAPEDAL Wilayah III, Makassar, in cooperation with local government agencies, the Aquaculture Research Center, and an NGO. The project will demonstrate how coastal aquaculture production in Sulawesi can be increased sustainably from existing tambaks by applying environmentally-sound management principles at the design stage of tambak rehabilitation; and training farmers in best management practices for tambak operation so they will be able to produce a crop that is both profitable and suitable to the environmental characteristics and carrying capacity of a specific site. The designation of Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park in Southeast Sulawesi has lead to conflicts between traditional users of the area and the government forest management policy. The park designation had implications for the livelihoods of the local community which had not been accounted for in the park management plan. The local community has found the use zones to be confusing, and in conflict with their traditional activities in these areas. A local NGO, Lembaga Pelestarian Lingkungan dan Pembinaan Masyarakat (LAPPAM), is undertaking a project to educate and train both government officers and local people in a cooperative and participatory approach to dispute resolution with respect to the designation of certain limited use zones (ie., core, buffer and free zones), to introduce alternative livelihoods for neighbouring communities, and to raise awareness of sustainable use practices. LAPPAM has completed socialization and motivation training for both the community and local government representatives as to the merits of sustainable environmental management within the context of a protected area, yet consistent with the historical practices of the community in the park area. The next stages will demonstrate the use of simple sagu processing equipment as a focus for alternative livelihood and income generation in the community. The Bajo culture predominates in many of the coastal communities in Southeast Sulawesi. These communities rely heavily on exploitation of marine and coastal resources for their livelihood. Economic pressures to maintain or increase standards of living have lead to illegal practices, such as bomb and cyanide fishing, which decimate fish stocks and destroy reef habitats. An NGO, Yayasan Hijau Sejahtera (YHS), is undertaking a project to educate six Bajo communities along the south shore of Kendari district about the impact of these practices on their marine resources, and to introduce more sustainable alternatives that will help preserve their livelihoods. The project will apply awareness-raising techniques adapted to the local culture to help communities better understand the marine environment and manage their renewable resources; and to demonstrate the rearing of sea-cucumbers and other marine life in fenced enclosures as an alternative to their destructive fishing practices. YHS have completed their environmental advocacy training curriculum, trained facilitators to deliver the material and conducted initial community surveys of community perceptions about marine/coastal resources and their use. The next stage involves training in the installation and operation of sea cucumber culture units representing an alternative source of income and alleviation of destructive pressureson nearby coral reefs. The village of Tawaang, 95 km north of Manado, is experiencing significant problems with the availability and quality of their water supply. Village wells tend to dry out during the dry season and disease problems arise from the construction of septic tanks near shallow water wells. A NGO, Yayasan Mitra Masyarakat (YMM), is undertaking a project with CEPI technical and financial assistance to tap nearby groundwater springs which have not been used because of private water user rights and distance from the village. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of women in management and maintenance of the system and awareness training on good environmental management practices to protect water resources. Households will be connected to the system for a modest user fee to ensure financial sustainability of the project. YMM has facilitated establishment of a water management committee and has worked with this committee to evaluate water supply options; identify viable surface water sources, negotiate water rights access to a preferred source at higher elevation, complete engineering design of the water supply system, form construction teams and establish the mechanism of a sinking fund for ongoing maintenance. Construction of the water intake and pipeline infrastructure is underway. Water is being delivered by gravity feed to water outlets strategically located in the village. On completion, the village will have access to a reliable clean water supply that will be maintained and operated by the community on a sustainable basis. Women will play an important role in continuing to manage and maintain the system.
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