[Publication Article] PES as an Interim Solution? A short Introduction

PES as an Interim Solution? A short Introduction

The problem of environmental damage is nothing new for us. The reduction in mangrove forests also has a direct impact on the lives of people in coastal areas. High tide will enter residential areas if there are no trees to block the current in coastal areas. Of course, this can trigger a disaster. So, who is responsible for this problem? In this case, it is not only the government that is obliged to protect the environment. The community must also take a role in creating a clean environment without pollution. The government has issued regulations and policies, which are then implemented as well as possible by the community. The importance of community awareness and participation in protecting the environment is the biggest factor in preventing environmental damage. Pajukukang Village is renowned for its rapid advancements in several sectors, particularly in fish farming and rice fields. However, this development has also brought negative impacts, notably environmental damage that threatens the existence of certain types of mangroves, such as the Avicennia and Rhizophora species. The local community often cuts down these plants without much thought to expand their land, assuming these plants are a nuisance. In reality, the presence of mangroves is crucial for maintaining the stability of the ecosystem in the area. 

The challenges people face to achieve a sustainable environment.

People who live on the coast often face major challenges related to environmental sustainability and biodiversity, and the people of Pajukukang Village, Maros, are no exception. Among the problems is that the harvest of the village’s fishermen community’s ponds is often not maximized. Hence, The impact of biodiversity loss is not only felt by nature but also by humans who heavily depend on balanced ecosystems. As of now, climate change is one of the biggest factors accelerating biodiversity loss. Rising global temperatures can lead to habitat shifts, coral bleaching, and changes in animal migration patterns. Additionally, climate change causes extreme weather phenomena such as floods and droughts, which destroy habitats and ecosystems. As a result, many species cannot adapt quickly to these changes and are at risk of extinction. Therefore, mitigating climate change is a key factor in biodiversity conservation efforts. Various causes are changes in weather patterns in coastal areas that cause changes in the water in the ponds. Usage of low quality seeds and the presence of disease also make it worse. The effects of pesticide use in the village can also poison the water and mangrove ecosystem, even the marine ecosystem as a whole. In the future, the challenges in biodiversity conservation will become more complex with increasing pressures from population growth and climate change. However, I believe that with commitment and active participation from all parties, we still have a golden opportunity to protect biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of ecosystems for future generations.

Here, mangroves play a vital role in preventing abrasion or soil erosion, which can lead to seawater reaching settlements. Therefore, increasing public awareness of the importance of these plants is essential. One of the initial steps is to educate the community about the benefits of mangroves and the importance of protecting them. Moreover, mangrove plants are protected by the state, as stipulated in Law No. 26 of 2007 concerning Spatial Planning. Cooperation between the local community and the government is crucial to preserving mangroves. These plants are not only important for the ecosystem but also for the safety and well-being of the local community. With good cooperation, the preservation of mangroves can be ensured, providing long-term benefits for Pajukukang Village.

The collaboration of stakeholders.

The conclusion is that the government and society collaborate with each other in protecting the environment. At least reduce the pollution that occurs in their respective environments. Likewise, the government must pay attention to what the community needs so that it can provide solutions to the community without having a negative impact on the environment. Therefore, inventive funding mechanisms are needed to support biodiversity conservation in coastal areas. Mechanisms that can be used are:

• Blue Bonds, a type of green bond specifically aimed at sustainable marine and coastal projects, such as coral reef protection and mangrove restoration.
• Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), payments to coastal communities for managing and protecting coastal ecosystems, such as mangrove forests, that provide important ecological benefits.
• Securing sufficient and sustainable funding remains a key challenge, highlighting the importance of the biodiversity found in Pajukukang Village.
• Effective conservation requires the integration of biodiversity into all levels of policy-making and more informed planning.
• Increasing public awareness and understanding of the importance of biodiversity can encourage greater support for conservation efforts.

By combining innovative funding mechanisms with strong policy frameworks, community engagement, and technological advances, we can secure the future of biodiversity conservation in coastal areas.

Alphabetically written by: Davit., Hersoni., Assidiqie. H., Pratama. A. I. N., Syahrir. M., Khaykal., and Abdullah

Editor: Elmita Ayusyifa

This article was produced by IFSA LC UNHAS’ Workshop and Webinar Sub-Commission during the Sustainable Coastal Socio-ecological System: Shifting towards a Comprehensive Silvo-aquaculture Practices workshop that was held in Pajukukang Urban Village, Maros on 25 July 2024.