The role of local wisdom and the tenure system of the Ammatoa Kajang indigenous community in forest sustainability

Abstract

Background: The Ammatoa Kajang indigenous community in Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, exemplifies effective forest conservation through the integration of Pasang ri Kajang local wisdom and a distinctive tenure system. Methods: This study employs a systematic literature review using PRISMA 2020 methodology, with data analyzed through qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis, to examine how these traditional systems maintain forest ecosystem sustainability. Pasang ri Kajang embeds conservation within spiritual beliefs, viewing forests as sacred conduits where human spirits transit between earth and sky. Findings: This worldview mandates protection of four elements: trees, rattan, shrimp, and bees, establishing ethical frameworks that guide community behavior toward environmental stewardship. The tenure system operates through three functional zones with differentiated management protocols. Forbidden forests permit only traditional rituals, ensuring complete ecosystem protection. Border forests allow controlled timber harvesting under specific conditions, balancing resource use with conservation. Community forests accommodate agricultural activities while maintaining sustainability principles. This spatial differentiation contrasts with government land management approaches and enables adaptive resource governance. Analysis of forest cover change data reveals positive correlations between these traditional systems and ecosystem sustainability. The synergy between Pasang ri Kajang's ethical foundations and the tripartite tenure structure creates robust conservation outcomes while supporting community livelihoods. The systematic literature review indicates growing scholarly recognition of Ammatoa Kajang's conservation practices. Conclusion: The demonstrated correlation between local wisdom, tenure systems, and forest sustainability offers a replicable community-based conservation model. Novelty/Originality of this article: This indigenous approach provides valuable insights for sustainable forest management strategies, demonstrating how traditional ecological knowledge can effectively complement contemporary conservation objectives.