Water ecosystem services of Merawu Watershed, Banjarnegara, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Merawu watershed is one of the upstream areas of Serayu Watershed that serves as catchment area and protect the downstream area. In addition, the condition of natural landscape development which is accompanied by population growth potentially affects spring water ecosystem services. This study aims to determine the potential condition of spring as one of water providers in Merawu, then also to analyze the status of spring. Water balance analysis and Pollution Index (IP) analysis ecosystem services management were used. In this study, 12 springs were discovered with Kasimpar spring having the highest discharge (5.01 liters/second). The overall condition of the spring ecosystem services is one of surplus water/carrying capacity has not been exceedee (Dda ratio > 1), and the condition appropriate with water quality standards (IP <1). In conclusion, this study plays an important thing to figure it out about the existence of water ecosystem services in this area, as well as being a pioneer study on Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) model in Banjarnegara Regency with an integrated upstream-downstrean concept and based on the principle of sustainability