Ref ID:	22596
Ref Type:	Book Section
Authors:	Gunawan, Budhi Parikesit, Pampang Abdoellah, Oekan S.
Title:	Microlevel implications for macrolevel policy: a case study of conservation in the Upper Citarum River Basin, West Java
Date:	2005
Source:	Conserving nature in culture: case studies from Southeast Asia
Place of Publication:	New Haven, Connecticut
Publisher:	Yale University Southeast Asia Studies
Notes:	Introduction: Rapid ecological changes in Java have placed many watersheds in critical condition. The Citarum river basin, where agricultural development is taking place at a rapid rate, especially in the upper part of the basin, is one of several in West Java identified as a critical watershed needing rehabilitation. At present, recurrent floods in the lowest part of the Citarum Basin appear to be related to the conversion of the natural forest to agricultural and industrial development in the upper and middle parts. Our research indicates that the rate of environmental degradation is exacerbated by lack of a coordinated governmental effort to manage economic development and sustainable resource use in the river basin. This chapter, which is based on a study of conservation and socioeconomic conditions in the upper Citarum river basin, discusses the discrepancy between macrolevel policy and microlevel resource use, discrepancies that have contributed to the current situation of unsustainable resource management. Two interrelated problems are examined. First, we demonstrate that macrolevel governmental policies in Bandung District (in the southern portion of the Citarum watershed) are in conflict with conditions of microlevel conservation. This is indicated by fact that government-supported agricultural and dairy-farming development is carried out with little regard for ecosystem diversity, the carrying capacity of the ecosystem for this development, or regional socioeconomic needs. Second, the lack of knowledge about conditions of microlevel conservation has resulted in various governmental departments launching conflicting programs and policies regarding the management of natural resources within the upper Citarum river basin. As a result governmental policies have had the unintended consequence of increasing ecological degradation in the region.
Date Created:	3/30/2015
Editors:	Dove, Michael R. Sajise, Percy E. Doolittle, Amity A.
Volume:	54
Page Start:	119
Page End:	143
Series Title:	Yale University Southeast Asia Studies Monographs