Guardians of Nature: Community Participation in Environmental Preservation in Blitar Siti Utami Dewi Ningrum, Sukirno Hadi Raharjo, Faizal Akhmad Adi Masbukhin
Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Terbuka, Cabe Raya Street, Pondok Cabe, Pamulang, Tangerang Selatan 15437, Banten - Indonesia
Abstract
Global climate change has seriously threatened environmental balance, particularly in rural areas that depend on natural resources. The absence of adequate state support in addressing local environmental challenges often compels communities to seek independent solutions. Krisik Village in Blitar exemplifies how residents directly contribute to environmental conservation. This study examines the critical role of villagers in conservation efforts through three main approaches: forest management as jaga wana (forest guardianship), utilizing livestock waste for biogas production, and applying the biosaka method in organic farming. Local leaders are key in initiating and leading these environmental preservation efforts in response to the lack of governmental policy support. This research employs a qualitative case study approach, with data collected through in-depth interviews with community leaders and direct field observations. Initial findings reveal that community awareness, led by these three key figures, has successfully fostered sustainable practices that mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance the village^s well-being. The community participation model in Krisik Village could serve as an example for other rural areas in tackling climate change through local innovation, even in the face of state absence.
Keywords: Community Participation, Environmental Preservation, Climate Change, Biogas, Biosaka
Topic: Socio-Economic Empowerment and Cultural Identity
