Workshop and FGD in Bedono Village: Overcoming Ecosystem Problems and Improving Community Welfare

Bedono Village, Sayung District, Demak Regency, became the location for a workshop and focus group discussion (FGD) that raised the important theme of mangrove ecosystem problems and the potential for economic diversification on Tuesday, 17/09/  2024. This activity was attended by various parties, including academics, the community, and students. In the last 10-20 years, land erosion by sea water has continued to occur in Bedono Village, Demak, Central Java. Until now, 200 houses have been submerged due to the abrasion. Residents were forced to lose their livelihoods as fishermen so they had to relocate their homes. This damage was caused by natural factors and human actions.

Prof. Dr. Tri Retnaningsih Soeprobowati, M.App.Sc, founder of the Paleolimnology Cluster (CPalim), was one of the main speakers who explained the problems faced by the mangrove ecosystem in Bedono Village. She highlighted the plan to create a “Shell Apartment” program as an effort to diversify the economy for women, as well as the use of mangroves for batik production. This initiative is expected to improve community welfare while maintaining the sustainability of the ecosystem.

Prof. Peter Gell PhD, a professor at Federation University Australia, was also present as a speaker to emphasize the need for a balanced program in mangrove planting activities, including the creation of polders for water management. He gave the example of water management in Melbourne which has succeeded in improving water quality. “When river water supplies decrease, excessive use of groundwater can cause land subsidence and tidal flooding,” he explained. He offered three options to overcome this problem: stopping the use of groundwater, harvesting rainwater, and injecting groundwater.

A dynamic discussion took place among the participants. The community conveyed the challenges in marketing cultivated mangrove seedlings. They hoped for promotional assistance, such as through social media. Green mussels need to be processed so that they can become superior souvenirs, such as mussel nuggets to prevent stunting. Meanwhile, the Head of Bedono Hamlet expressed his hope that the Shell Palace could withstand sediment and tidal currents. This activity is not only a forum for discussion, but also a forum for the community to contribute in designing solutions to existing problems. With various proposed initiatives, Bedono Village is expected to be able to overcome ecosystem challenges and improve community welfare in a sustainable manner. Cooperation between academics, the community, and the government is key in implementing these programs in order to achieve common goals in environmental conservation and improving the quality of life of the community.

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