Sustainable harvest: exploring sugar palm trees as a green economy catalyst in Bukit Kaba Natural Park, Bengkulu, Indonesia

Abstract

Conservation areas are synonymous with protected areas and is prohibited for social and industrial activities that damage the environment. How ever, this research found in which at Bukit Kaba, the use of conservation areas could support the preservation of the natural environment. This article explained that by finding niche commodities, conservation areas can generate many economic benefits for the surrounding community and preserve the natural environment at the same time. This research was environmental qualitative research conducted at conservation area of the Bukit Kaba, Bengkulu, Indonesia. Data were obtained through observation, interviews, document studies, and focus group discussion with the Bukit Kaba conservation area stakeholders. The research team stayed for 20 days in Rejang Lebong district and visited community groups while conducting observations and interviews. The research concluded that the agreement between farmer groups and the Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam (Nature Conservation Agency) to maintain and cultivate sugar palm trees at Bukit Kaba conservation area is an excellent green economic practice. The agreement stipulated the palm trees growing in the Bukit Kaba conservation area as a niche commodity because it can provide multiple benefits. On the one hand, palm trees provide economic benefits to residents around the conservation area. On the other hand, palm trees help maintain land and soil resilience in the Bukit Kaba area.