Living with the Tides: Adaptive Coastal Knowledge and Mangrove Governance in Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract

This study explores the locally grounded knowledge systems and governance practices that shape mangrove stewardship in coastal communities of Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and in-depth interviews with fishers, women gleaners, and customary leaders, the research uncovers how community members interpret and respond to ecological change through embodied practices and seasonal knowledge. In contrast to formal conservation policies that often disregard indigenous epistemologies, the findings reveal a dynamic and adaptive coastal knowledge that blends spiritual beliefs, intergenerational learning, and ecological observation. The study also highlights the tensions between state-led mangrove rehabilitation programs and locally embedded governance systems, where overlapping authorities and exclusionary zoning threaten both ecological resilience and livelihood security. By centering the voices and practices of those most intimately connected with the tides, the study contributes to broader discussions on environmental justice and participatory conservation in the Global South. It argues for a reorientation of mangrove governance frameworks to prioritize co-produced knowledge, localized legitimacy, and relational accountability. The research thus offers valuable insights for designing more inclusive, sustainable, and culturally attuned coastal management strategies in climate-vulnerable regions.