Research Project

This report examines how coastal communities on Barrang Lompo Island respond to the growing social-ecological pressures caused by climate change. The study was motivated by the increasing vulnerability of small-island fishing households facing uncertain weather patterns, shifting seasons, more frequent extreme weather events, and the degradation of coastal ecosystems, particularly coral reefs. These changes have directly affected fish catches, increased the operational costs of fishing, and weakened the economic stability of local households.

Using a qualitative approach, the research employed participant observation, in-depth interviews with fishers, and documentary analysis supported by secondary data from relevant agencies. The findings show that climate change has intensified seasonal uncertainty, increased the frequency of storms and extreme waves, and contributed to serious coral reef degradation. These environmental pressures have led to declining catches and income, longer fishing trips, and significantly higher operational expenses.

In response, the community has developed a range of adaptive strategies, including livelihood diversification, spatial adjustments in fishing practices, the use of more adaptive fishing technologies, strengthening local institutions, and ecosystem rehabilitation efforts such as mangrove planting and coral conservation. Overall, the report argues that the social-ecological resilience of coastal communities on Barrang Lompo is shaped by the interaction of local knowledge, social capital, technological adaptation, and supportive policy measures. In a broader context, this research also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) through strengthening local adaptive capacity, SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through the protection and rehabilitation of coastal and marine ecosystems, and SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through efforts to sustain the livelihoods and economic resilience of small-scale fishing communities.

Karst ecosystems possess distinctive, unique, and specific natural resources that are not found in other ecological systems. These ecosystems play a vital role in supporting the livelihoods and cultural practices of surrounding communities. In South Sulawesi Province, such as the karst region within the Bantimurung Bulusaraung Ma’rupanne Biosphere Reserve, the interrelationship between humans and the karst environment has existed for thousands of years. This long-standing interaction has given rise to a wealth of local knowledge related to the management and sustainable use of natural resources in karst areas.

However, to date, there is a lack of comprehensive scientific documentation regarding this local knowledge. Such information is crucial as a foundational database for sustainable karst ecosystem management and as a reference for policy formulation aimed at the preservation of these essential ecological areas.

This exploratory research aims to:
(1) collect data and information related to local knowledge (ethnobiology, ethnobotany, ethnoecology, and ethnoforestry) of communities residing near karst landscapes in South Sulawesi, and
(2) assemble scientific collections of various types of natural resources utilized by these communities.

Data collection on local knowledge and the types of natural resources used will be conducted through surveys, direct observation, and interviews. To assess the availability of these resources in their natural habitats, appropriate methods will be applied according to each taxon, including:

• Quadrant line methods for plant data,

• Line transects for mammals,

• Point count methods for birds,

• Pollard walk transects and traps for insects.

Interview data will be analyzed descriptively. Ecological data on resource availability in natural habitats will be analyzed to determine density values, importance value indices, biodiversity indices, dominance indices, and species evenness indices.

The final output of this research is expected to serve as a scientific database and reference for the sustainable management of karst natural resources, as well as a basis for community-based policy development for the conservation of essential karst ecosystems.

Global, regional, and local climate change each exhibit distinct phenomenological characteristics. Consequently, their impacts on the horticultural sector, as well as the ecological adaptation patterns employed by farmers in response to these changes, are presumed to vary accordingly. This study aims to examine tropical climate change in South Sulawesi and analyze its effects on horticultural agriculture, particularly within the horticultural development center located in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi. Furthermore, the research explores how horticultural farmers adapt ecologically to the impacts of tropical climate change.

This study adopts a constructivist interpretive framework rooted in the case study tradition. The research begins with the purposive selection of the study location, the development of research instruments, the identification of data types and sources, and the determination of key informants using a snowball sampling technique. Data collection is carried out through a comprehensive approach, employing observation, in-depth interviews, documentation, and triangulation. Data analysis follows an integrated process consisting of data collection, data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing.

The study concludes with a data validity check, involving credibility and reliability testing to ensure the accuracy and trustworthiness of the findings.