Sustainable Management of NTFPs

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 62 views

Economic Value and Non-Timber Forest Products to the Income of the Community in the Supporting Village of Ujung Bandar Bandar Gunung Leuser National Park

Introduction

The importance of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in the lives of people living around forests cannot be overstated. In the Ujung Bandar Village, Bahorok District, Langkat Regency, the community relies heavily on NTFPs for various purposes, ranging from food, traditional medicine, to other uses. This study aims to measure the economic value and contribution of NTFPs to the income of the local community.

Background

The Ujung Bandar Village is located in the heart of the Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. The village is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many species of trees, fruits, and other forest products. The community in Ujung Bandar Village has been utilizing these forest products for generations, and they play a crucial role in the village economy.

Methodology

This study used a combination of methods to collect data, including the Slovin formula to determine the sample size, in-depth interviews, and direct surveys in the field. A total of 87 people were sampled from the total population of 660 heads of families in Ujung Bandar Village. The research process took place from July to August 2019.

Results

The results of the study showed that the Ujung Bandar village community used seven types of NTFPs, namely jengkol, areca nut, durian, bamboo, candlenut, palm sugar, and rubber. Among these products, Pinang (areca nut) occupies the highest position with a significant economic value, contributing 38.5% to the total use of NTFPs in the village.

HHBK Economic Value Analysis

The economic value of NTFPs in Ujung Bandar Village is significant, with a contribution of 35.37% to the total community income, equivalent to Rp 454,182,000 per year. This shows that NTFPs not only function as a natural resource, but also as an economic driver that helps improve the welfare of the community.

The contribution of NTFPs to the community income is not only significant but also sustainable. By utilizing NTFPs on an ongoing basis, the community can ensure that forests are maintained and able to provide long-term benefits. In this case, it is essential for the government and related institutions to provide education and support to the community so that the management of NTFPs remains in accordance with the principles of sustainability.

Conclusion

Overall, this research shows that non-timber forest products have a significant contribution to the income of the community in Ujung Bandar Village. Utilization of NTFPs not only provides economic value but can also be one of the strategies to improve the welfare of the community and preserve the forest. Therefore, it is essential to encourage NTFP management wisely, with the support of policies that support the sustainability and welfare of the community.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Sustainable Management of NTFPs: The government and related institutions should provide education and support to the community to ensure that NTFPs are managed sustainably.
Policy Support: Policies that support the sustainability and welfare of the community should be implemented to encourage the utilization of NTFPs.
Community Empowerment: The community should be empowered to take ownership of NTFP management, including decision-making and implementation.
Research and Development: Further research and development are needed to explore the potential of NTFPs in improving the welfare of the community and preserving the forest.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample Size: The sample size was limited to 87 people, which may not be representative of the entire community.
Data Collection: The data collection method used in this study may not be comprehensive, and further research is needed to validate the findings.
Generalizability: The findings of this study may not be generalizable to other communities, and further research is needed to explore the applicability of the results.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

Exploring the Potential of NTFPs: Further research is needed to explore the potential of NTFPs in improving the welfare of the community and preserving the forest.
Developing Sustainable Management Practices: Research should focus on developing sustainable management practices for NTFPs, including decision-making and implementation.
Community Empowerment: Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of community empowerment in NTFP management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the significant contribution of non-timber forest products to the income of the community in Ujung Bandar Village. The utilization of NTFPs not only provides economic value but can also be one of the strategies to improve the welfare of the community and preserve the forest. Therefore, it is essential to encourage NTFP management wisely, with the support of policies that support the sustainability and welfare of the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Economic Value and Non-Timber Forest Products to the Income of the Community in the Supporting Village of Ujung Bandar Bandar Gunung Leuser National Park

Q: What are non-timber forest products (NTFPs)?

A: NTFPs are forest products that are not wood, such as fruits, nuts, seeds, and other plant materials. They are an important source of income for many communities living around forests.

Q: What are the main NTFPs used in Ujung Bandar Village?

A: The main NTFPs used in Ujung Bandar Village are jengkol, areca nut, durian, bamboo, candlenut, palm sugar, and rubber.

Q: Which NTFP has the highest economic value in Ujung Bandar Village?

A: Pinang (areca nut) has the highest economic value in Ujung Bandar Village, contributing 38.5% to the total use of NTFPs in the village.

Q: What is the contribution of NTFPs to the community income in Ujung Bandar Village?

A: The contribution of NTFPs to the community income in Ujung Bandar Village is 35.37%, equivalent to Rp 454,182,000 per year.

Q: Why is sustainable management of NTFPs important?

A: Sustainable management of NTFPs is important because it ensures that forests are maintained and able to provide long-term benefits. It also helps to preserve the forest ecosystem and maintain biodiversity.

Q: What role can the government and related institutions play in supporting NTFP management?

A: The government and related institutions can play a crucial role in supporting NTFP management by providing education and support to the community, implementing policies that support sustainability and welfare, and empowering the community to take ownership of NTFP management.

Q: What are the benefits of NTFP management for the community?

A: The benefits of NTFP management for the community include improved income, improved welfare, and preservation of the forest ecosystem.

Q: What are the challenges facing NTFP management in Ujung Bandar Village?

A: The challenges facing NTFP management in Ujung Bandar Village include limited resources, lack of education and support, and limited policy support.

Q: What are the recommendations for improving NTFP management in Ujung Bandar Village?

A: The recommendations for improving NTFP management in Ujung Bandar Village include sustainable management of NTFPs, policy support, community empowerment, and research and development.

Q: What are the future research directions for NTFP management in Ujung Bandar Village?

A: The future research directions for NTFP management in Ujung Bandar Village include exploring the potential of NTFPs, developing sustainable management practices, and community empowerment.

Q: What are the implications of this study for policy and practice?

A: The implications of this study for policy and practice are that NTFPs should be recognized as an important source of income for communities living around forests, and that sustainable management of NTFPs should be supported and encouraged.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include the sample size, data collection method, and generalizability of the results.

Q: What are the future directions for research on NTFP management in Ujung Bandar Village?

A: The future directions for research on NTFP management in Ujung Bandar Village include further exploration of the potential of NTFPs, development of sustainable management practices, and community empowerment.