PENGUATAN PENGELOLAAN EKOSISTEM GAMBUT BERKELANJUTAN BERBASIS MASYARAKAT DI KABUPATEN NAGAN RAYA PROVINSI ACEH

2025-11-05T22:16:54+07:00

The peatland ecosystem in Nagan Raya Regency is under significant pressure due to the construction of artificial canals, land-use conversion, and unsustainable cultivation practices, which have increased vulnerability to fires and degraded environmental quality. In this context, the SUPA-GIZ project implemented a community service initiative aimed at supporting peatland ecosystem restoration through a participatory approach. The approach involved cross-stakeholder coordination, including local government authorities, farmer groups, and community organizations, to ensure the engagement of all relevant parties. The activities employed methods such as field surveys to identify critical canals contributing to degradation, awareness campaigns on the importance of peatland conservation, technical training on canal blocking, and the development of restoration intervention designs. The results of these activities demonstrated significant achievements, including the identification of ten critical canals requiring immediate attention, an increase in community understanding of the peatland ecosystem from 35% to 82%, and the establishment of Village Peatland Alert Teams. Changes in community behavior, such as implementing canal-blocking techniques and practicing more environmentally friendly land management, served as indicators of the intervention’s success. This participatory model demonstrated the effectiveness of combining local education with technical interventions to mitigate peat fire risks. The success of this approach presents opportunities for replicating community-based strategies in other peatland areas, offering a sustainable method for ecosystem restoration, fire risk reduction, and the enhancement of community capacity for collective environmental management.

THE ROLE OF SOFO-SOFO IN STRENGTHENING HEALTH AWARENESS AND LOCAL WISDOM IN NIAS

2025-11-05T22:17:34+07:00

This community service project, conducted in Bawonifaoso Village, Nias, aimed to explore and promote the role of Sofo-sofo (Ageratum conyzoides) in strengthening health awareness and preserving local wisdom. Sofo-sofo is a medicinal plant traditionally used by the Nias community as a natural tonic and for various health purposes, yet its potential remains underutilized among younger generations. The project employed participatory approaches, including workshops, demonstration gardens, herbal preparation training, and storytelling sessions with local elders, to enhance both knowledge and practical skills regarding Sofo-sofo. The results indicate a significant increase in community awareness of Sofo-sofo’s health benefits, particularly its role in improving stamina and supporting general wellness. Participants reported incorporating Sofo-sofo into their daily routines and expressed a renewed appreciation for traditional medicinal practices. The project also strengthened intergenerational knowledge transfer, fostering cultural pride and sustaining intangible heritage. Moreover, the integration of Sofo-sofo activities into local cultural events and schools enhanced community engagement and motivation. These findings highlight the effectiveness of combining local wisdom with health promotion initiatives, demonstrating that culturally grounded interventions can simultaneously improve health literacy and preserve heritage. The project provides a model for leveraging ethnobotanical knowledge in rural community development, emphasizing sustainability, community ownership, and the integration of traditional practices with modern health education.

Haga : Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat

PENGUATAN PENGELOLAAN EKOSISTEM GAMBUT BERKELANJUTAN BERBASIS MASYARAKAT DI KABUPATEN NAGAN RAYA PROVINSI ACEH

THE ROLE OF SOFO-SOFO IN STRENGTHENING HEALTH AWARENESS AND LOCAL WISDOM IN NIAS