Contribution of Local Wisdom of the Bajo Tribe to Preserve Indonesia’s Mangrove Forests

Abstract

Mangrove forests are one of the most important ecosystems for coastal communities. However, mangrove forests are degraded and damaged by human activities. One solution to overcome this problem is to take advantage of local wisdom. The Bajo Tribe, who lives around Indonesia's mangrove forests, has unique local wisdom and the potential to maintain the sustainability of mangrove forests. This study explores the contribution of the local wisdom of the Bajo Tribe in preserving Indonesia's mangrove forests. This article results from qualitative research in which data was collected through interviews, observations, and documentation studies. The informants of this study are the Bajo Tribe community on the coast of Tomini Bay, Indonesia. The results showed that the local wisdom of the Bajo Tribe in preserving mangrove forests includes several practices, namely mangrove forest conservation, wisely managing mangrove forests, and developing a sustainable economy based on mangrove forests. These practices have been proven to preserve mangrove forests. This research provides a better understanding of the local wisdom of the Bajo Tribe in preserving Indonesia's mangrove forests. It helps the government develop better policies and practices to preserve the sustainability of Indonesia's mangrove forests.

Received: 10 February 2023 / Accepted: 20 April 2023 / Published: 5 May 2023