Simeulue Regency Community Participation In Post -Tsunami Mangrove Management

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Introduction

The devastating impact of the tsunami on Simeulue Regency in Aceh Province, Indonesia, has left a lasting legacy on the community and the environment. The mangrove ecosystem, which plays a vital role in the livelihoods of the people, was severely affected by the disaster. In the aftermath of the tsunami, the management of mangrove ecosystems has become a pressing issue, requiring the active participation of the community. This study aims to explore the community participation in post-tsunami mangrove management in Simeulue Regency, with a focus on understanding the relationship between community perception and their participation in mangrove management.

Background

Mangrove ecosystems are crucial for the sustainability of coastal communities, providing a range of ecosystem services, including shoreline protection, fisheries, and tourism. However, the tsunami disaster has highlighted the vulnerability of these ecosystems to natural disasters. The management of mangrove ecosystems is a complex issue, requiring the involvement of various stakeholders, including the government, non-governmental institutions, and the community. Community participation is essential for effective mangrove management, as it ensures that the needs and concerns of the community are addressed.

Methodology

This study employed a quantitative approach with descriptive analysis to explore community participation in post-tsunami mangrove management in Simeulue Regency. The research respondents consisted of members of the community who live in twenty-seven villages that benefit directly from the management of the mangrove area. Data was collected through questionnaires, observation, and structured interviews with random selected respondents.

Results

The results of this study showed that more than half of the respondents considered that the management of the mangrove area at the time was not good. Community participation in this management was marked by the form of representative participation, where the community relies on certain people as their representatives to determine the right management policies. The results also showed a significant relationship between the characteristics of society and their perceptions related to mangrove management, although the strength of the correlation was classified as weak. However, some variables, such as the experience and expectations of the community, showed stronger correlation strength.

Discussion

The results of this study highlight the importance of community participation in post-tsunami mangrove management. The community's perception of the management of the mangrove area is a critical factor in determining their level of participation. The study found that the community's expectations and experience play a significant role in shaping their perceptions and participation in mangrove management. The results also suggest that the community's participation is currently in the category of functional participation, where they are involved in the management process but do not have a significant say in decision-making.

Conclusion

The study concludes that there is a moderate correlation between community perception and their level of participation in post-tsunami mangrove management in Simeulue Regency. The community's participation is marked by representative participation, where they rely on certain people as their representatives to determine the right management policies. The study highlights the need to increase community capacity so that they can be more active in managing their natural resources. Direct involvement in the mangrove management process can increase the sense of community ownership of the ecosystem.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Increase community capacity: The government and related institutions should provide training and education to the public about the importance of mangroves and ways of management.
  2. Provide information on economic benefits: Information about the economic benefits of good management must be conveyed to the community so that they are more motivated to participate.
  3. Create effective communication channels: The government, non-governmental institutions, and the community should establish effective communication channels to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas.
  4. Promote direct involvement: Direct involvement in the mangrove management process can increase the sense of community ownership of the ecosystem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of community participation in post-tsunami mangrove management in Simeulue Regency. The community's perception of the management of the mangrove area is a critical factor in determining their level of participation. The study recommends increasing community capacity, providing information on economic benefits, creating effective communication channels, and promoting direct involvement in the mangrove management process. By implementing these recommendations, the community can be more actively involved in managing their natural resources, leading to the conservation of mangroves and the improvement of the welfare of the community.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

  1. Sample size: The sample size of this study was limited to twenty-seven villages in six sub-districts in Simeulue Regency.
  2. Data collection method: The data was collected through questionnaires, observation, and structured interviews, which may not be representative of the entire community.
  3. Time frame: The study was conducted at a specific time, which may not reflect the current situation.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

  1. Longitudinal study: A longitudinal study should be conducted to examine the changes in community participation over time.
  2. Comparative study: A comparative study should be conducted to compare the community participation in different regions.
  3. Case study: A case study should be conducted to examine the community participation in a specific mangrove management project.

References

  • Assaf Dongoran, R., Widhiastuti, R., Delvian, & Darus, M. B. (2020). Community Participation in Post-Tsunami Mangrove Management in Simeulue Regency, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B, 55, 1-12.
  • World Wildlife Fund. (2020). Mangrove Ecosystems. Retrieved from https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/mangrove-ecosystems
  • United Nations Environment Programme. (2020). Mangrove Forests. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/marine-and-coastal-areas/mangrove-forests
    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Simeulue Regency Community Participation in Post-Tsunami Mangrove Management =============================================================================================

Q: What is the significance of community participation in post-tsunami mangrove management?

A: Community participation is essential for effective mangrove management, as it ensures that the needs and concerns of the community are addressed. The community's perception of the management of the mangrove area is a critical factor in determining their level of participation.

Q: What is representative participation, and how does it relate to community participation in mangrove management?

A: Representative participation refers to the form of participation where the community relies on certain people as their representatives to determine the right management policies. This type of participation is currently prevalent in Simeulue Regency, where the community relies on local leaders and government officials to make decisions on mangrove management.

Q: What are the factors that influence community perception and participation in mangrove management?

A: The study found that the community's expectations and experience play a significant role in shaping their perceptions and participation in mangrove management. The community's characteristics, such as their level of education and income, also influence their perception and participation.

Q: What are the benefits of direct involvement in mangrove management?

A: Direct involvement in mangrove management can increase the sense of community ownership of the ecosystem. This can lead to better management practices, as the community is more invested in the outcome.

Q: How can the government and related institutions support community participation in mangrove management?

A: The government and related institutions can support community participation in mangrove management by providing training and education to the public about the importance of mangroves and ways of management. They can also provide information on the economic benefits of good management and establish effective communication channels to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a limited sample size, a data collection method that may not be representative of the entire community, and a time frame that may not reflect the current situation.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research should focus on conducting a longitudinal study to examine the changes in community participation over time, a comparative study to compare the community participation in different regions, and a case study to examine the community participation in a specific mangrove management project.

Q: What are the implications of this study for mangrove management in Simeulue Regency?

A: The study highlights the importance of community participation in post-tsunami mangrove management in Simeulue Regency. The community's perception of the management of the mangrove area is a critical factor in determining their level of participation. The study recommends increasing community capacity, providing information on economic benefits, creating effective communication channels, and promoting direct involvement in the mangrove management process.

Q: How can the community become more actively involved in mangrove management?

A: The community can become more actively involved in mangrove management by participating in decision-making processes, attending community meetings, and engaging in activities that promote mangrove conservation. They can also work with government and non-governmental institutions to establish effective communication channels and provide training and education on mangrove management.

Q: What are the potential outcomes of increased community participation in mangrove management?

A: Increased community participation in mangrove management can lead to better management practices, increased sense of community ownership, and improved economic benefits. It can also contribute to the conservation of mangroves and the improvement of the welfare of the community.