UPA LLB Conducts FGD and Surveys of Local Population Around Mangrove Land, Gathering Natural and Social Potential

Kotabaru, August 12, 2024 – The Academic Support Unit for Wetland Areas (UPA LLB) in collaboration with the Public Relations Team of Lambung Mangkurat University conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and social survey of village residents regarding the mangrove area in Kotabaru from August 12-14, 2024.

This activity took place in six villages: Kemuning, Tanjung Pelayar, Tanjung Sungkai, Tanjung Tengah, Teluk Taminang, and Kampung Baru. The aim of the survey was to identify the potential of these villages, assess their conditions, and understand the challenges faced by each village surrounding the mangrove area.

The FGD involved collecting opinions and discussing with village heads, village officials, and community leaders. The survey included discussions with residents and direct observations of daily activities in the villages.

Each village has its own characteristics and challenges, especially between those on land and those on the coast. For example, Tanjung Pelayar Village, located on the coast and facing the sea, experiences very windy conditions that affect daily activities. Most residents work as fishermen, particularly during the west wind season.

In contrast, Kampung Baru Village, located further from the coast and with a denser settlement, faces relatively easier conditions. Although some areas in this village still have mangrove areas, the economic activities of residents are quite diverse, ranging from farming to working for companies.

One challenge encountered during the survey was related to communication, with some residents still not fluent in Indonesian or even lacking literacy skills. This is noted by the UPA LLB team as a need for a more inclusive and adaptive approach in future surveys and program implementations.

The survey and FGD provided a clearer picture of the environmental and social conditions in the villages around the mangrove area to be managed by ULM. Additionally, the survey helped ULM identify challenges that must be addressed for more effective mangrove management in the future. The results are expected to serve as a basis for developing better management strategies and increasing local community involvement in environmental conservation.

Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), through the Berkah Wasaka Mandiri Cooperative, has received a Commitment Letter for Forest Utilization Licensing (PBPH) for approximately 611 hectares of Production Forest in Kotabaru Regency. The letter was issued by the Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board, Bahlil Lahadalia, and printed on August 8, 2024.

The issuance of this letter brings ULM one step closer to becoming the world’s only university to own and manage mangrove land. This activity aims to gather necessary data to design programs related to future mangrove land management, benefiting not only ULM but also the surrounding communities.