The Tobelo ethnic group in North Halmahera faces increasing deforestation driven by mining activities and illegal logging, despite their longstanding cultural traditions dedicated to forest preservation. This study aims to explore the forms of local wisdom that continue to guide the Tobelo community in sustainable forest management. Using a qualitative ethnographic approach, data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews, and document analysis. The findings reveal three traditional forest systems: jorame (abandoned cultivated forest), dumule (actively cultivated land), and ohongana (sacred, untouched forest). Within these systems, five key dimensions of local wisdom were identified: (1) environmental care through maintenance and ecological cleaning, (2) harmonious living through mutual concern and communal solidarity, (3) forest prohibitions (bubugo) to curb exploitation, (4) expressions of gratitude to God during harvests, and (5) a future-oriented approach emphasizing sustainable cultivation and forest regeneration. These practices demonstrate a deep ecological consciousness embedded in Tobelo culture. However, modern economic pressures and extractive investments are gradually undermining these traditional practices, threatening the sustainability of their conservation efforts. The study concludes that integrating indigenous knowledge into contemporary environmental strategies can provide culturally grounded solutions to current ecological challenges.
Zabadi et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: