Redefining The Role of Stakeholders in Restoring The Hydrological Function and Conservation of The Biodiversity of Tahura Nipa-Nipa, Southeast Sulawesi

The Nipa-Nipa Forest Park area is a conservation forest area in the province of Southeast Sulawesi. This area has hydrological potential and serves as the lungs of the city. Its existence is currently used by residents for agriculture, meeting the needs of clean water, settlements, and tourism. The utilization of water sources originating from Tahura Nipanipa has not been managed wisely. Therefore, it has the potential to cause monopoly and unilateral control of water sources and is prone to potential conflicts. In addition, this area is also used by local people who live around to carry out farming activities on the borderline of the conservation area. The lack of awareness and initiative from the community and stakeholders in maintaining the sustainability of water sources in the Nipa-nipa Forest will cause significant problems. One of them is reduced water discharge, even drought in some river flows during the dry season. This study aims to develop forest and natural resource governance in a fair, sustainable, and accountable manner involving the Governance component (GOV) through the Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology. The results of this study are developing a strategy for a better governance system, involving stakeholders in decision making, developing equal and harmonious government-community relations, and developing land-use planning that meets the needs of development, environmental conservation, and small sustainable business development.

Keywords: conservation forest, stakeholder, sustainable, Tahura Nipa-nipa, water source