Using local wisdom for climate change mitigation

Abstract

The most frequent disasters that occur due to climate change are hydro-meteorological disasters that have an impact on human life. Structural and non-structural mitigation efforts have been carried out by the government and stakeholders. However, considering that human behavior also affects the occurrence of climate change, non-structural mitigation efforts need to receive special attention. On the other hand, the Indonesian people have local wisdom related to disaster mitigation, but currently, it has not been fully utilized. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to provide information and analyze some Indonesian local wisdom that can be utilized in disaster risk mitigation. The method used is a literature review. Based on the review, there are some local wisdom related to forest conservation, spring conservation, and soil and water conservation. Local wisdom in forest conservation as conducted in Aceh is using traditional law to manage their coastal forest, and in Bali and North Maluku by constructing forests as sacred places. Spring conservation using local wisdom can be found in Samigaluh, Kendal, and Sungai Langka, commonly by giving offerings, giving thanks, cooperation, and trusting spring as a sacred place that must be protected and respected. Local wisdom to conserve soil and water is applied in Aek Latong and Lerep villages by planting long-rooted plants on slopes to prevent landslides. The synergy of government efforts and the preservation of local wisdom is a good strategy for disaster mitigation.

Sustainable Management for Healthy and Productive Watersheds in Indonesia

“…Mitigation is an attempt to reduce the impacts of disasters and can be in the form of structural and non-structural mitigation [77,102,103]. Structural mitigation is carried out by using a technological approach and through the construction of physical infrastructure such as the construction of embankments, river canals, and dams/reservoirs; afforestation and reforestation; the construction of terraces; the maintenance of water springs; and the construction of ponds, rainwater reservoirs, and infiltration wells [102][103][104][105][106]. Nonstructural mitigation includes mapping disaster-prone areas; constructing rules and policies; strengthening community capacity through training, education, and extension; forming working groups; and building a network among stakeholders [102,103].…”

“…Structural mitigation is carried out by using a technological approach and through the construction of physical infrastructure such as the construction of embankments, river canals, and dams/reservoirs; afforestation and reforestation; the construction of terraces; the maintenance of water springs; and the construction of ponds, rainwater reservoirs, and infiltration wells [102][103][104][105][106]. Nonstructural mitigation includes mapping disaster-prone areas; constructing rules and policies; strengthening community capacity through training, education, and extension; forming working groups; and building a network among stakeholders [102,103]. Therefore, the mitigation carried out must be based on the level of hazard, vulnerability, and risk from both physical and social aspects [103,107].…”