Freshwater Governance on Limboto Lake in Gorontalo Province of Indonesia

Abstract

This study investigates the nature of governance system around Limboto Lake and its impact on the conservation of the freshwater resources. It also seeks to understand the structural process and contribution of local knowledge in freshwater conservation, which is a gap identified in freshwater governance. Data was based on residents’ impact and institutions involved in collation, formulation and implementation of freshwater policy. Based on the findings there is a unanimous indication that, locals are not part of freshwater governance at Limboto Lake and this finding has nothing to do with their educational background. This renders the system of governance as a top-bottom approach. Indications are that this system does not support the conservation of the Lake considering the apathy in adhering to rules and regulation by the locals. The locals believe that their contributions and participation would help strengthen capacities of knowledge and practices in freshwater governance to reduce degradation.