The Role of Tradisional Belief and Local Wisdom in Forest Conservation

Abstract

Deforestation has become a global issue, primary forests have been converted to plantations, agricultural land, and built-up area. Although many environmental regulations have been enacted since the emergence of the sustainable development concept, in reality, they are not effective when compared to forest management by indigenous peoples. This article intends to reveal the role of traditional beliefs and local wisdom in forest conservation. We selected five indigenous communities as representatives of beliefs and forest conservation efforts in Indonesia ie. Nagari Sungai Buluh, Mollo, Kampung Naga, Manggarai, and Dayak Kanayatn. This research uses qualitative data that is analyzed by descriptive approach, it can explain in detail the forest management by indigenous peoples. Traditional belief systems and conservation have proven to maintain the forests, also ensure the availability of natural resources and ecosystem services for humans in the surrounding. The indigenous peoples consider the forest to be a clean and sacred place, it can only be accessed or used at certain times. The forest zoning by indigenous peoples guarantees its sustainability and is evidence of the application of ecocentrism, humans are part of nature and are obliged to protect the resources that have been mandated by God.