Page 113 - Buku Ajar Mata Kuliah Dasar Umum Bahasa Inggris

Local Wisdom Protecting Forest in Tanah Papua

Deforestation in Papua is an ongoing issue, with over 1 million hectares of forest
lost annually from 2017 to 2020. This is in contrast to the hundreds of thousands
of hectares lost in other parts of Indonesia. In 2020, satellite imagery identified
1,669 hectares of forest loss due to palm oil estates in areas like Merauke, Fakfak,
and Manokwari. Papua's forests are considered the last frontier of rainforests in
Indonesia, making their protection crucial. Efforts have been made to conserve
these forests, including the declaration of West Papua as a conservation province
in 2015, and the establishment of special bylaws in Papua Province to promote
sustainable forest management.
The indigenous people of Papua view their forests as essential to their
survival, providing food, water, building materials, and medicine. Forests are not
just a source of livelihood but also a central part of their spiritual life. The local
tribes, each with their own customary land, have long respected their forests,
seeing them as a mother figure that provides for their needs. This respect is
reflected in their local wisdom, such as the Sinara ceremony, which is a ritual to
seek ancestral blessings before utilizing forest resources, and the practice of
creating forbidden areas to protect certain parts of the forest from human
exploitation.
Efforts to protect Papuan forests are deeply tied to the preservation of
indigenous culture and local wisdom. These traditions not only ensure sustainable
use of the land but also serve as a spiritual reminder of the importance of the
forest. By respecting forbidden areas and adhering to rituals, the indigenous
communities help maintain the balance between human needs and ecological
preservation. These cultural practices are vital in safeguarding the forests for
future generations.
In addition to these efforts, there is growing concern about the impact of land
conversion for tourism and other developments, which may lead to further
deforestation. It is important for the government and local communities to work
together to protect Papua's unique forests and their indigenous cultures.
Adapted from: econusa.id
(https://econusa.id/en/ecoblogs/local-wisdom-protecting-forest-in-tanah-papua/)

After reading, answer the following questions based on the text.
1. Why is deforestation happening in Papua, and how is it different from other

places in Indonesia?
2. How do the people in Papua use the forest in their daily life?

3. What are some local traditions in Papua that help protect the forest?
4. How do these traditions help keep the forests safe from harm?

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