Limits of acceptable change for sustainable management of the Pelawan Biodiversity Park, Bangka Belitung Islands

Abstract

Indonesia is a country of immense biodiversity, however the natural environment is under pressure because of competing economic needs of the large population. Limits of Acceptable Change is a management strategy which acknowledges that any use of an area brings environmental change and best outcomes are achieved if all stakeholders are involved in the process. LAC was applied to develop a management strategy for Pelawan Biodiversity Park, Bangka Belitung. This reserve existsfor the preservation of endemic flora and fauna and is also utilised by local communities so there exists the potential for conflict of interests. This research was conducted March - April 2021. Through direct observation and interviews with all stakeholders, the LAC process was used to identify the reserve’s environmental and cultural values, and the goals held by each of the stakeholders. The results obtained indicate that the primary values assigned to the park are culture and economy, ecology and conservation, education and research, as well as tourism and ecotourism. Some activities of the communities both within and in the surrounding area have direct negative impacts on the environment in the park, including horticulture, tin mining, palm oil, poaching, over-exploitation of pelawan mushroom and honey, as well as tourist activities. After analysing the potential zoning for all activities, three usage zones were proposed to maximise conservation and facilitate economic sustainability for local communities. Specific management strategies for each zone are proposed together with indicators and standards of environmental change. Practical next steps are proposed for community wide consultation and implementation of management practices.