LOCAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE, ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS, AND RESILIENCE: Insights from the 2025 Sumatra Floods

Syadidul Kahar, Sapirin Nasution, Muhammad Irsan Barus, Ahmad Ibrahim Hasibuan, Zulhamri Zulhamri

Abstract


Local Ecological Knowledge, Environmental Ethics, and Resilience: Insights from the 2025 Sumatra Floods The ecological disaster that struck Sumatra in late November 2025, particularly affecting communities in Gayo and Central Tapanuli, underscores the complex relationship between human activities, forest exploitation, and environmental degradation. This study examines the 2025 floods through the lens of local wisdom and environmental conservation. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, it explores how communities perceive, practise, and transmit ecological knowledge in Central Aceh, Bener Meriah, and Central Tapanuli. The findings show that local wisdom is embedded in educational practices, cultural values, and community-based economic activities that connect forest knowledge with environmental stewardship and livelihoods. Ecological values are also passed across generations through oral traditions, religious and customary ceremonies, customary law, traditional arts, education, and tourism. These practices demonstrate that local ecological wisdom functions not only as cultural heritage but also as practical knowledge for sustainable resource management. Strengthening such knowledge through education, cultural practices, and community-based management can support conservation and disaster resilience.

Keywords: Environmental Conservation, Ecological Knowledge, Gayo Community, Tapanuli Community, 2025 Sumatra Floods


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30821/jcims.v10i2.29887

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