Environmental damage study based on intensive land use activities in Widoro Sub-watershed of Patuk, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

The criticality of watersheds in Indonesia can trigger water scarcity and trigger environmental damage if it is not handled as early as possible especially during uncertain climate change conditions. The long-term impact of this condition, if it is not handled properly, is the damage to the ecosystem and habitat that can disrupt rainfall patterns. Regulatory issues, sub-optimal community empowerment, lack of public awareness, and the decrease of forest productivity are some of the causes. This study was aimed to find out the extent of environmental deterioration using indicators of Erosion Hazard (EH) and landslides and to formulate environmental management strategies as an effort to conserve the environment. Data collection for the first purpose was undertaken by observation, literature review, documentation, and for the second purpose was conducted by measurement, observation, and interview. The results of the analysis can be concluded that the level of environmental damage in the Widoro Sub-watershed was in the category of minor damage. It can be seen from EH and landslides that occurred in the Widoro Sub-watershed. The erosion and landslides that occurred were at a harmless level. The environmental management strategy included counseling and assistance activities, improvement of sanitation facilities, and monitoring and law enforcement on community activities related to land use, erosion, landslide and disaster, and also the selection of plants with high value economic.