The Indonesian Environmental Resilience Foundation, together with the Central Java Provincial Government, has conducted a SOCIO-ECONOMIC STUDY OF THE COMMUNITIES AROUND HL G. UNGARAN. The Gunung Ungaran Protected Forest, covering an area of 2,444.9 hectares in the Semarang and Kendal districts, holds great potential for the development of ecotourism and the cultivation of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) through agroforestry systems.

Located amidst 14 villages, 11 in Semarang Regency and 3 in Kendal Regency, Gunung Ungaran is home to around 2,000 people. Sustainable ecotourism and agroforestry development are important alternatives to improve the livelihoods of the surrounding communities while maintaining the forest’s protective functions.

With its natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna, Gunung Ungaran offers great opportunities for sustainable ecotourism development. Activities such as trekking, bird watching, and camping can be carried out with the principles of sustainable tourism, prioritizing a balance between utilization and preservation. Tourists not only enjoy the beauty of nature but also participate in conservation efforts through environmental education.

In the context of the Gunung Ungaran Protected Forest, the agroforestry system is a crucial foundation for sustainable development. Agroforestry combines forest plants with agriculture on the same land, creating a productive environment economically while preserving nature.

Through agroforestry, the communities around Gunung Ungaran can utilize forest land sustainably. Commercial crops such as coffee, medicinal plants, honey, and local fruits can be grown together with forest plants, such as Perhutani trees. This not only increases farmers’ income but also maintains the sustainability of the forest ecosystem.

It is important to maintain a balance between the use and preservation of the Gunung Ungaran Protected Forest. This is a real example of how we can live harmoniously with nature, benefiting each other. With collective efforts, we can achieve harmony between humans and nature in the Gunung Ungaran Protected Forest.

Contributor:

Meiardhy Mujianto