Guardians of the Forest

A dependence on ricefields and vegetable patches for their livelihood has led Bulutana villagers in the Gowa District of South Sulawesi to fiercely guard their forests and water sources. They have applied strict rules against cutting down trees without the permission of the traditional chief. As a result, even during the peak of the dry season, their village can still enjoy fresh ground water. However, their natural conservation measures are being threatened by the local Forestry Office program, which plans to plant hundreds of water-guzzling pine trees, to enhance the tourism industry. In the face of such challenges, the villagers are now mapping their traditional land boundaries, to prevent further environmental degradation. In commemoration of Forestry Day on March 22, Tempo English contributor Wahyu Chandra reports from South Sulawesi.