Ecological Justice in Land Use Management: The Case Study of the Upstream Limboto Watershed in Indonesia

Abstract

The upstream Limboto Watershed (DAS Limboto) in Gorontalo Province is a critical ecological zone that regulates the hydrological flows and supports the biodiversity and community development. Unsustainable land use practices, including agricultural expansion, deforestation, and inadequate conservation measures, have accelerated environmental degradation. These practices lead to high erosion rates, reduced vegetation cover, decreased infiltration, and declining water quality. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to examine the biogeophysical and governance factors driving the land use change. The proposed approach integrates remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis with socio-economic surveys and institutional assessments. The findings of the study reveal that current land management practices, compounded by weak policy enforcement and limited community participation, exacerbate ecological vulnerability and threaten downstream hydrological stability. The study underscores the need for justice-oriented watershed management that integrates ecological justice principles, community-based conservation, and coordinated governance.

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