Fishermen's Perceptions of Global Climate Change and Adaptation to Changing Conditions of Flood Plain Wetlands in South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

Global climate change has an impact on almost all regions in the world, including floodplain wetlands in the South Kalimantan region. This flood plain wetland is used by 90% of the local community as a place for fishing. Climate change increases ecological loss on floodplain wetlands which ultimately affects fishing activities and catch productivity in addition to other human activities. The research aims to analyse fishermen's perceptions and adaptation to changes in water conditions due to climate change and analyse the factors that influence their adaptation behaviour. Data were collected by interviews using questionnaires with 200 fishermen and processed using Likert scale quantitative descriptive methods and binary logistic regression (logit) analysis. The results show that based on fishermen's perceptions, their level of knowledge and understanding of the signs of global climate change is moderate, but fishermen's involvement and the role of government is low in handling climate change. According to fishermen's perception, climate change greatly influences water conditions and catch productivity. The adaptation behaviour carried out by fishermen is relatively the same as that carried out by freshwater and coastal fishermen in other areas. Adjustments to fishing gear are influenced by knowledge and adjustments to the fishing season are influenced by knowledge and the ability of fishermen to identify signs of climate change and experience as fishermen. Increasing knowledge about climate change, its impacts and anticipatory strategies needs to be carried out so that adaptation strategies become the right solution in floodplain wetlands for the welfare of the community.