TINGKAT PEMAHAMAN MASYARAKAT TERHADAP HUTAN MANGROVE DI DESA TUMPAPA INDAH KECAMATAN BALINGGI KABUPATEN PARIGI MOUTONG

Abstract

Mangrove forest is a unique and distinctive form of forest ecosystem, because it has excellent natural resources because it has the potential for high economic and ecological value, but is very vulnerable to damage if it is not wise to maintain, preserve and manage it. Mangrove forest management is a very complex business, because these activities really require an accommodative nature for all parties. This study aims to determine the level of community understanding of mangrove forests in Tumpapa Indah Village, Balinggi District, Parigi Moutong Regency. This research was conducted for 2 months starting from March to April 2021. The research location is in Tumpapa Indah Village, Balinggi District, Pargi Moutong Regency, Central Sulawesi Province. The method used is a survey method with interview techniques with a scale of 1-3-5 (Modified Likert scale). The results of the study from three aspects show that the level of community understanding of mangrove forests based on age, livelihood, and education using a questionnaire is classified as moderate. The influencing factor is that those aged > 50 years are more dominant in complying with existing regulations, only fishermen's livelihoods understand the current condition of mangrove forests, and the level of education where the lower the education, the less understanding the community has. The community stated that in order to protect the mangrove forest, the local village officials together with the community made efforts to protect it by replanting, socializing the importance of maintaining mangrove forests, and forming a supervisory group to monitor mangrove forests.