Ethnoscience of Acropora formosa as Raw Material for Betel Lime: Coastal Ecosystem Implications
DOI:
10.29303/jppipa.v12i7.15608Published:
2026-07-25Downloads
Abstract
Coral reefs are crucial coastal ecosystems because they provide various ecological functions and support the socio-cultural activities of coastal communities. On Mambor Island, Central Papua, Acropora formosa is traditionally used as a raw material for making betel lime, which is used in the tradition of chewing betel nut, a cultural practice still maintained by the local indigenous community. This study aims to analyze the use of A. formosa from an ethnoscientific perspective and evaluate its implications for the sustainability of coastal ecosystems. The study employed a mixed methods approach with a sequential explanatory design that integrates quantitative and qualitative data within the Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework. Data were collected through questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews, field observations, and coral reef condition assessments using the Line Intercept Transect (LIT) method. The results showed that all respondents (100%) were active users of betel lime, with the number of users on Mambor Island reaching 288 people aged 5 years and older. Coral harvesting was carried out routinely, averaging once per week, with each harvest yielding approximately 5 kg of A. formosa. The extraction rate is estimated at 74,880 kg per year (approximately 75 tons per year), indicating significant ecological pressure on reef-building coral resources. Coral reef assessments indicate that live coral cover is only 20%, while dead coral and coral debris cover reach 30% and 50%, respectively, indicating poor reef condition.
Keywords:
Acropora formosa Coastal ecosystem sustainability Ethnoscience Local knowledge WhitingReferences
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