Traditional Ecological Knowledge on Mangrove Ecosystem Utilization: Learning from Orang Suku Laut Kongky Strait, Lingga

Abstract

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) has eroded globally,   particularly  which  related   to   ecology.   Even though   TEK   has   been   recognized   as   crucial   for   a sustainable development perspective. This  study aims to explore TEK of Orang Suku Laut (OSL) Konky Strait in Lingga about the utilization of mangrove ecosystem. Research area is Konky Strait which is a part of Lingga Regency, Riau Archipelago Province. Data was collecting by using document study, field study, in-depth interviews, meetings and group interviews, participatory and non- participatory  observation  techniques.  There  are  at  least eight  species  of  flora  and  17  species  of  fauna  that  are known  by  OSL  in  Konky  Strait.  Taxonomically,  flora which has been utilized are classified in 6 families, while fauna  consist  of  15  families.  The  types  of  flora  are generally utilized for firewood, building materials, fisheries infrastructure  (fishing  gear) and  traditional  medicine  for health. While the whole fauna species used as food sources. Almost all mangrove flora parts are used such as   trunk, branches, leaves, flowers, fruits, shoots, and roots. It can be concluded that Orang Suku Laut Konky Strait have traditional ecological knowledge in the management of mangrove ecosystems in a sustainable manner.