THE REMOTE AND ISOLATED COMMUNITIES IN NORTH SERAM. PROVINCE MALUKU .

Several villages are located in the northern part of the island of Seram is Kanike, Roho, Huaulu and Solea. People living in this area to be isolated because there is no infrastructure available . Critical infrastructure such as transportation, communications , lighting (electricity), health, clean water and other services can not be enjoyed by the public, while the only educational facility at the elementary level .

The area is remote because many raging rivers that have passed, the streets are steep, up and down the valley and mountains. Slope where more than 60 % led to a trip to the villages more difficult . This is why people are very difficult to access other necessities and sale of the crop does not occur smoothly. People must wait traders who come to the village to buy the yield crop, and if they have to go outside the village then all the household needs to be spent on supplies.

Communities living side by side and are very dependent on nature. They collect forest produce to meet the needs of everyday life . Businesses in agriculture but also carried over subsistence is not just a commercial character to be consumed alone. There are some people who are still cutting down forests to clear land for agriculture. It occurs because the system is still very traditional agricultural and undeveloped.

Once farmland is planted with several times its production declined,  then they find and open new land for cultivation. But there are certain sacred places that should not be cut or touched and entered. They believe that these places exist ghost or believe that their ancestors inhabited the place. This is what makes these places remain safe and sustainable.

Besides hunting or trapping for wildlife that can be used as a source of protein still remain to be done . When the results are excessive they can preserve (pickle) for sale supplement the family income . Some use air guns to look for game animals such as birds of the forest , and other kus - kus . These results into daily consumption by the public.

Poaching activities sometimes meet the challenges associated with the presence of animals that are protected by law . Especially those areas adjacent to National Parks Manusela even villages are rural village enclave is located in the conservation area .



Means of communication and information has not been felt by the community . To capitalize on their night lighting lamp light with kerosene or fuel traditionally drawn from nature . Availability of means of transport , means of communication and limited lighting is causing isolated communities to undertake a range of activities , especially regarding trade transactions between neighboring villages .

This community works in the field of agriculture as the main livelihood. Cultivated area of ​​2-3 ha, with plants that are cultivated food crops and crops such as bananas, taro, sweet potato, cassava and peanuts, while also seeking vegetable crops . Yields of food crops and vegetables only for consumption by the farmer and his family, and if there is a new more shall be sold.

Results from the sale of these plants are used to purchase other necessities. In addition to food crops and vegetables, they also seek plantation crops and fruits such as coconut, cloves, cocoa, durian, and Cempedak complexioned. Yields of these crops are usually sold the main income for the household .
In regard to the use of natural resources (both biological and vegetable), culture "SASI" as a cultural norm for generations, are still preserved / maintained by the community. Implementation of SASI system is generally carried out by traditional institutions and religious institutions. SASI is basically the implementation of the ban to take certain natural resources in an effort to maintain the quality and preservation of natural resources is population .

This prohibition also about human relationships with the natural setting , or with areas that imposed the ban. Thus, SASI is an attempt to maintain decorum (social institutions) community life , including the equitable distribution of effort over natural resources for the population in rural areas .
SASI system implementation is generally applied to forest resources , plantation crops , such as coconuts and cloves , and water ( Shrimp , Fish , Eels and others ) . If there are people who violate SASI will be penalized by a fine of State Saniri . SASI addition , there is also the term " Kewang " in the traditional structures that serve to preserve the forest . If there is breaking the rules set by Kewang then no sanctions or penalties provided by Kewang through Saniri State as decision makers .

Public perception of the environment is the very life depends on the availability of natural resources. Community life of the environment, so the environment must be protected and preserved . A wide range of biological resources derived from nature that can be properly managed to fulfill all the needs in a sustainable manner .

SAGO BIGGEST TREE IN THE WORLD

Sago (Metroxylon sp) growing areas inundated or flooded periodically. It's life in marshy areas, also called swamp forest. Sago is a non timber forest products since the first was used as a source of food. In Maluku, Sago grows by itself in swamp forests, growing in low-lying areas behind the mangrove forest .

According to Flach and Schuiling (1991) Nutritional contained (g) in the sago trunk is N = 590, P = 170, K = 1700, Ca = 860 and Mg = 350. At the time of processing on the field a lot disappeared and nutrients back into the soil where they are grown .

How big is the sago palm tree ? Can be seen in the picture below .

This is a sago tree found in Piru village, West Seram regency. In this area there are sago trees are not utilized, up to an old abandoned and dead.

There is the largest sago trees that can be seen, when we travel to the Eti Village, West Seram regency. Maluku Province .. Height of approximately 10 m and diameter of 250 cm.




If this sago to be extracted, how many tons starch that can be produced? .

But.....when viewed closely it can be seen that it is not real but the sago tree is simply a church tower that resemble sago tree.

Besides Tree Sago, Eti Village also has a Aren tree population (Arenga pinnata) are abundant.

Let come to the Eti Village and Calculate how much Arenga pinnata tree and the Sago there. The people who live there earn by making alcoholic beverages from Arenga pinnata tree.

NATURE TOURISM OF MARSEGU ISLAND ::: VAMPIR ISLAND | West Seram regency | Maluku province

Nature in Marsegu Island has its own uniqueness. Marsegu island located in the western part of the island of Seram (Nusa Ina / Mother Island) are known to have Manusela National Park. Marsegu islands are included in the Administrative District of West Seram, Maluku Province .

The island was given the name by local communities as "Marsegu Island" due to its animal bats in large numbers. Marsegu word comes from the local language means "bat". In mind that will inevitably have such a creepy character of "Dracula" blood-sucking, man who becomes a bat. But the island is not creepy even a variety of beauty can be found there, as a place of recreation and a place to develop science.

 

Bat ( Pteropus vampirus )

Crab ( Birgus latro )

Besides Bats can be found also protected animals such as Gosong birds / maleo (Megaphodius reinwardtii) and Coconut Crab (Birgus latro) or a regional language called "Kepiting Kenari". There are many other birds that make this island as a habitat for eating, playing and sleeping .

Marsegu island or bats island are protected forest areas established by the Decree of the Minister of Forestry Number : 10327/Kpts-II/2002 , dated December 30, 2002 , the extent of 240.20 Ha. Marine area is a Marine Nature Park 10,000 hectares established by Decree No. Menhutbun. 114/Kpts-II/1999, dated March 5, 1999.

Potential of marine natural resources are large enough, colorful coral reefs can be seen beauty. Various shades of sea life reef fish of diverse sizes and shapes.

Coral Reef Marine Natural Park Marsegu Island and surrounding areas

For who like seafood can enjoy on this island. Going fishing alone or can also buy from people around the island's livelihood comes from the sea.

Reef Fish

Half of the island is The mangrove forest area with mangrove species, such as Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora apiculata, Brugueira gymnorrhiza, Brugueira sexangula, Ceriops tagal,  Xylocarpus mollucensis, Xylocarpus granatum, Heritiera littoralis, Lumnitzera littorea, Aegiceras corniculatum, Excoecaria agallocha, Pemphis acidula and Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea.

Rhizophora mucronata

Outermost zone of the mangrove area is then mixed with Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora apiculata and the middle is Brugueira gymnorrhiza, Brugueira sexangula, Ceriops tagal, Xylocarpus mollucensis and Xylocarpus granatum.

Zone of Brugueira and Ceriops sp 

In the eastern part of the island there Marsegu coastal forest vegetation that has white sand beaches along the 1600 meters. Types of vegetation found in this zone is Cordia subcordata, Pongamia pinnata, Terminalia catappa and Baringtonia asiatica. In the northern part there is a white sand beach Ipomea pescaprae zone dominated by wind grass (Spinifex littoreus) and Katang - katang (Ipomea pescaprae). This location is an attractive tourist place to enjoy the ocean views and breathe fresh coastal air.

White Sand Beach

Spinifex littoreus

For those who want to camp or stay a few days on this island, there are 2 (two) wells as a source of fresh water that is usually also used by local communities for drinking, bathing and washing .

Accessibility to Marsegu island of Ambon city as the provincial capital can be reached via the route :
+ Ambon - Hunimua . ( Land line )
+ Hunimua - Waipirit ( Ceram ) using the ferry ( 1.5 hours )
+ Waipirit - Piru - Pelita Jaya . ( Land line ± 56 km )
+ Pelita Jaya - Marsegu Island . ( Sea Line ± 5 km )

THE TYPES OF TROPICAL FOREST BY CLIMATE CATEGORY IN INDONESIA

Tropical forests in Indonesia can be divided based on the climate as follows:

1. Tropical Rain Forests
Tropical rain forests are forests which obtain high rainfall, often we are familiar with the term pamah forest. Forest types can be found in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua North Section. The types that are commonly found in this forest, namely: Meranti (Shorea and Parashorea), Keruing (Dipterocarpus), Kapur (Dryobalanops), ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri), ebony (Diospyros sp).

2. Wet Monsoon forests
Wet monsoon forest is a forest that is generally found in Central Java and East Java, the period of the dry season of 4-6 months. Rainfall experienced in one year 1,250 mm to 2,000 mm. The types of trees that grow in these forests include teak, mahogany, rosewood, and kelampis Pilang.

3. Dry Monsoon Forests
Dry monsoon forests located at the eastern end of Java, Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa. This forest type is at a location that has a dry season ranged from 6-8 months. Rainfall in a year is less than 1,250 mm. Types of trees that grow in the woods such as teak and eucalyptus.

4. Savana forest
Savanna forest is a forest overgrown shrubs groups grassland interspersed with thorny plants. Of the dry season 4-6 months with rainfall less than 1,000 mm per year. The species typically grows in the woods of the Family Leguminosae and Euphorbiaceae. This forest type common in the Flores, Sumba and Timor.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RAINFOREST

 

Tropical forests are spread in the tropics between 23.27 ° N  and 23.27 °S and found three regions in the world that has a tropical rainforest that is:

• American rain forest with an area of ​​400 million ha ,
• Indo - Malayan rain forest with an area of ​​250 million ha and
• African rain forest with an area of ​​180 million ha .

Characteristic of tropical rain forest can be described as follows :

a. High biodiversity

Species composition of tropical rain forest is very diverse , in 1 ha can be found 100 plant species . Of the many new types of existing small portion recognized and known benefits . This diversity does not just happen in flora but fauna is also diverse constituent . Ecosystems that have a high diversity will have a stable ecosystem stability .

b . Closed Nutrient cycles

Tropical rainforest look so majestic with large trees and a small diverse . But actually these forests grow in less fertile soil , most of the nutrients stored in the vegetation . If there is damage to forests by logging and then transported a result, the majority of the nutrients will be lost from the forest .

c . Micro Climate conditions are stable

Climatic conditions in the different forest beyond. This is because iklilm forming factors ( eg ; wind , temperature , precipitation , light , etc. ) is affected by the compilers of the forest vegetation . As long as there is still forest vegetation will form the climatic conditions in the forest are relatively stable (relatively small fluctuations)

d . Niche specific high

The existence of the types making up the tropical rain forest , flora and fauna can live well if they exist in the ecosystem. For example, a type of orchid can grow well with other woods constituent . If the plant is moved to another place, even if the environment is made to resemble a tropical rainforest environment but the conditions will be different .

e . High productivity

Tropical rain forest ecosystem productivity is higher when compared to other ecosystems such as agricultural land, grasslands, forests, and other life . This happens because the ability to use energy efficiently supported by the amount of water and sufficient light .

NATURAL FOREST : Trees grow naturally since the old times

Meaning of natural forests are overgrown with forest trees naturally and has existed since long ago. Natural forests can survive without human intervention or the exploitation of forest called "Primary forests". In Primary forests hasn't found  human intervention inside or natural disasters factors also can form secondary natural forest.

Indonesia has very wide natural forests, but the day this forest area continues to decrease. Some even say that Indonesia lost 1.6 to 2 million hectares of natural forests each year. Indonesia's natural forests are generally covered by dipterocarp species, which is a type of wood demand in the market, so it's natural forests are subjected to exploitation.

Species composition of natural forests in Indonesia vary depending on the location where the growth of the forest. The types of trees in natural forests in western Indonesia is different from eastern Indonesia, although there are species that spread from west to east. There are several natural forest vegetation zone in Indonesia, namely the western zone of natural forest, the eastern zone and the transition zone or the middle.

ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE : Because of Poverty Society :

Development given a positive impact on economic improvement but behind all there are a number of issues related to the environment . If the development is done only concern on economic factors, the notice of environmental factors will be forgotten . Though environmental problems not only affect the current but the impact to the children and grandchildren .

Third world countries and developing always spur economic growth in order to quickly achieve the welfare of its people . They still pay attention to how to provide basic necessities for their people , such as food and so on. But developed countries have to think far into the future will no longer be bothered with these problems , because the economy is getting better . They think that a better future with a healthy environment and bequeath to our children and grandchildren .

Many environmental damage caused by human  that occurs due to the demands of life and lack of knowledge about the environment itself. Underdeveloped and developing countries have a Human Development Index ( HDI ) which is low when compared to developed countries . With limited education and daily needs are urged to make poor people trying to survive without any crossed his mind about environmental sustainability . Moreover, if the poor that live near the forest , the forest will be subjected to exploitation which causes damage to the forest . Poverty is one of the causes of environmental damage, but there are many more other factors .

Factors differing views and needs is what makes environmental damage is more common in developing countries . Even developing countries and least developed targeted dumping industrial wastes from developed countries . Examples of environmental damage such as pollution that occurs with varying intensity , both of which are non-toxic waste disposal toxic waste up to very dangerous .

Understanding of the environmental damage is the impact of human actions that cause direct or indirect alteration of the physical, chemical and / or biological environment that exceeds the criteria of environmental quality standards .

Various kinds of environmental damage can occur in the environment around us . This is evidenced by environmental degradation due to environmental pollution such as air pollution , soil pollution and water pollution . In addition to the environmental damage includes damage to land and marine ecosystems that provide environmental health impacts .

While understanding and definition of environmental pollution is entered or the inclusion of living things , matter, energy , and / or other components into the environment by human activities that exceed the environmental quality standards that have been set .

So that environmental damage does not happen then it needs to be made more severe damage control or the control of environmental pollution . This effort is the prevention and control as well as the restoration of environmental damage associated with air pollution , water pollution and soil contamination .

Prevention of environmental damage is an attempt to maintain a healthy environment in ways that do not provide opportunities ongoing environmental damage associated with air pollution , water pollution and soil pollution including land and forest fires . Prevention of environmental damage is an attempt to stop the widespread and increasing environmental damage and impacts related to air pollution , water pollution and soil contamination .

ZONATION MANGROVE FOREST

Mangrove forests are forests that grow in tidal areas . Understanding and definition of mangroves is often interpreted to all types of mangrove plants . This area periodically inundated , including existing plants in the region also periodically submerged . To be able to grow in the tidal area of ​​the plant must be able to adapt to the salt content ( salinity ) is high . In addition it has a root modifications provide opportunities for the plants breathe in waterlogged conditions . Modification on plant roots is often called the root of breath or the term " pneumatofor " .

In the mangrove forests grow several types other than Rhizophora sp , for example Sonneratia sp , Bruguiera sp , Avicennia and Ceriops sp sp . Usually there is a mangrove forest in the growth zone , each type with its own growth areas according to habitat .

Growth zoning division is often divided by the area of inundation and plant species that grow in the area . For example, according to the flooded areas are classified into 3 zones : Zone of Proximal , Distal Zone and Zone midle .

• Proximal zone is a zone close to the sea or the leading zone . This area is usually found on the kinds of Rhizophora apiculata , Rhizophora mucronata , and Sonneratia alba .
• Midle zone is a zone that lies between the sea and the land or mid zone . Usually found types : caseolaris Sonneratia , Rhizophora alba, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza , Avecennia marina , Avecennia officinalis and Ceriops tagal .
• Distal zone is a zone that is furthest from the sea or backward . Commonly found in this region Heriteria littoralis types , Pongamia sp , sp Xylocarpus , Pandanus sp , and Hibiscus tiliaceus .

Many people who want to make a mangrove planting in the area but often fail due to insufficient understanding of the characteristics and mangrove habitat itself. How mangrove plants that can grow with and what are the factors that influence it , to know and to learn as possible .

Several factors can affect the growth of mangrove such as ocean waves are not too big , it is necessary for mangrove plant species can be taken root . Further requires Salinity ( salt content ) is high because it is a meeting area and fresh sea water . There are deposits of mud on the coast , as well as having a wide tidal areas . That's some of the factors supporting the growth of a mangrove species in an area.

The supporting factors must be considered in order to properly planting and rehabilitation of mangrove areas can be managed . Selection of the right type of habitat in accordance with zoning and also help determine the percentage of live and success of the plant .

UTILIZATION OF MANGROVE FOREST ON SERAM WEST DISTRICT, KOTANIA BAY MALUKU

The benefits and functions of mangrove forests is felt by the people living around the coast . Direct and indirect benefits of mangroves in the form of ecological benefits, economic and social memberikat a real contribution to society . Many studies have proved this so mangrove forests should be maintained .

Mangrove forest is a forest type that grows in tidal areas , particularly in sheltered beach , lagoons and estuaries are flooded at high tide and free from puddles on the community at low tide its plants tolerate salt . According to the FAO , Mangrove Forest is a community of plants that grow in tidal areas .

The word mangrove is a combination of the Portuguese language " Mangue " and the English word " grove " ( Macnae , 1968 in Kusuma et al , 2003) . In English the word is used both for community mangrove plant that grew in the area and the tidal range for individual plant species that make up the community .

Mangrove forests also known as tidal forest , coastal woodland , forest and brackish vloedbosschen ( Indonesian ) . In addition , mangrove forests by the people of Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries are often referred to by speaking Malay mangroves . The use of the term mangrove forests to mangrove forests actually less precise and unambiguous , as is the local name of the mangrove genus Rhizophora , while mangrove forests and overgrown compiled by many other genera and species of plants . Therefore , the mention of mangrove forest with mangrove forests should be avoided ( Kusuma et al , 2003) .

Mangrove spread throughout the tropical and subtropical oceans , grows only on coastal protected from wave motion ; when a coastal state otherwise , the seed can not grow properly and dropping roots . The beaches along the right side of the islands are protected from the wind , or a series of islands or land masses on the island behind the coral reefs off the coast of a sheltered ( Nybakken , 1998 ) .

Mangroves is unique because it is a combination of the characteristics of plants that live on land and at sea . Mangrove root systems generally have a prominent so-called breathing roots ( pneumatofor ) . The root system is a way of adaptation to poor soil conditions which oxygen or anaerobic . Mangrove spread throughout the tropical and subtropical oceans , grows only on coastal protected from wave motion ; when a coastal state otherwise , the seed can not grow properly and taken root . Some of the benefits of mangrove forests can be grouped as follows :

A. Benefits / Physical Function :
1 . Keeping the shoreline remains stable
2 . Protect beaches and rivers from erosion and abrasion .
3 . Withstand storms / high winds from the sea
4 . Result of the accumulation of mud resist process , thus allowing the formation of new land .
5 . Be a buffer area , and serves to filter sea water into fresh water inland
6 . To process toxic waste , producing O2 and CO2 absorbent .

B. Benefits / Biological Functions :
1 . Weathering that produce material to be important food source for plankton , so it is also important for the sustainability of the food chain .
2 . Spawning and breeding places of fish , shellfish , crabs and shrimp .
3 . Shelter , nesting and breeding of birds and other wildlife .
4 . Germplasm resources and genetic resources .
5 . Is a natural habitat for many species of biota .

C. Benefits / Economical Functions :
1 . Timber : firewood, charcoal , building materials .
2 . Producers of raw materials industries: pulp , tannin , paper , textile , food , medicine , cosmetics , etc.
3 . Seed -producing fish , milkfish , mussels , crabs , milkfish ponds pattern through Silvofishery
4 . Tourist attractions , research and education .

Several villages are located on the Gulf Kotania : Osi Island , Pelita Jaya , Kotania , Wael , Tamanjaya , Stone Tree and Masika Jaya . Buton largely tribal society living along the Gulf coast region Kotania the kind of livelihood that is gardening . At this time there has been a shift or change in the type of livelihood from fishing to gardening or a combination of both . Of the eight hamlets in the Gulf coast region Kotania , only the hamlet Pelitajaya ( 53 % ) and Osi Island ( 90 % ) are actually on the sea for their livelihoods , as fishermen catching shark ( shark fin ) .

Economic conditions of coastal communities in the Gulf Kotania who have any kind of livelihood as fishermen a relatively good income , which is around USD 74.5 million / year , while those with livelihoods are just gardening around Rp 20.2 million / year .

The improvement in market prices of marine products and have a better outlook , causing local people to switch his job as a fisherman . For example, mangrove crab fishermen fishing catch likely to be exported . Therefore , the number of people are turning to fishing livelihoods , then the resource use need to be careful , especially resource mangrove crabs , sea cucumbers , sea urchins , various types of shellfish that looks a tendency to decline and population size .

Mangrove resource provides a variety of products and services , both of which can be directly marketed or not , both of the environment around the mangroves and going outside and away from the mangroves . Even so it still feels difficult to determine the total economic value of mangrove ecosystems .

According to the study results Supriyadi and Wouthuyzen (2005 ) showed that the total economic value of mangroves in the Gulf Kotania in 1999 was Rp . 64.8 billion or Rp . 60.9 million / ha . This value is still too low , because there are many other components of the mangrove forest that is difficult to determine both the function and its market price . This is further complicated by the uniqueness of mangroves in the Gulf Kotania , where mangroves , seagrass beds and coral reefs coexist in harmony .

Unfamiliarity with the economic value of mangrove forest ecosystems caused by two main factors , namely :
( 1 ) . most of the goods and services produced by mangrove ecosystems his form is not traded in the market , so it does not have a value that can be observed , and
( 2 ) . Some of these goods and services take place outside and away from mangrove ecosystems so that respect for the goods and services it is often considered to have nothing to do with mangroves ( eg fertility results from the contribution of mangrove waters , which led to many fish , shrimp , crabs , mollusks in an area coastal fisheries away from the mangroves .

Social conditions of the local communities that most ( 65 % ) edged - income gardening , it can prevent the logging activity or destruction of mangrove forests .

Attempt conversion of mangrove forests into fishponds should see the results of the cost benefit analysis and whether the results are able to generate net present value of benefits ( Net Present Value ) is much larger than the present condition of the mangrove forest . As this policy is one example of inputs for policy makers who should really deserve attention.

According to the study results Supriyadi and Wouthuyzen (2005 ) concerning the economy (economic valuation ) of mangrove forests in the Gulf Kotania , West Seram , Maluku province , is as follows :

1 ) . Mangrove can undoubtedly provide products and services for people living in the vicinity, but there are many functions of mangroves are not known , so the only utilization that have direct market values ​​are calculated . This led to neglect that can harm the mangrove forest development plan

2 ) . Results of total economic valuation of mangroves in the Gulf Kotania in 1999 was Rp . 64.8 billion or Rp . 60.9 million / ha . This value is still too low , because there are many other components of the mangrove forest that is difficult to determine both the function and its market price .

3 ) In order to obtain more representative results , especially for the case of the Gulf Kotania which has a unique ecosystem , then the valuation of the economic value needs to be done for the entire ecosystem- that surround the bay .

4 ) The result of the utilization of mangrove samples from other locations suggests that allowing the existence of mangroves as the economic value is much higher , than if mangrove converted , so it should mangrove forests in the Gulf Kotania not converted , and should be used carefully .

Harvesting of mangroves around the Gulf Kotania can still be seen , however, limited to the mangrove felling very old . Trunks of felled trees are of species Rhizophora sp , Bruguiera and Ceriops tagal gimnorrhiza , the average diameter of 25-50 cm .

The wood is mainly used as firewood , both for everyday kitchen or for curing fish . Ceriops tagal types of wood utilization as well as poles and construction materials where drying seaweed . Actually, the public has been notified that it includes plant mangrove protected and should not be cut down .