The Role of Social Groups in Environmental for the Sustainability of Community Life in the Small Islands of Banda Neira

Abstract

Communities on small islands have high environmental vulnerability. Besides, communities on small islands are also very dependent on nature for their survival. This dilemma is felt directly by the people of the Banda Islands, most of whose economic activities are based on nature: fisheries, plantations, and marine tourism. With these economic activities, the damage potential to the environment is very possible. Responding to this, various stakeholders have made efforts to protect the environment, including non-governmental social groups. Various social groups in the Banda Islands are the 'backbone' in preserving the environment through initiatives. This research provides insight into the impact of the economic maritime on the environment and to examine the extent to which actors, especially communities, contribute to the environment for the sustainability of people's lives in the Banda Islands. This research is qualitative research with data collection using observation and interviews. This research uses narrative analysis to see how the maritime economy impacts the environment and stakeholder analysis to see how the role of stakeholders affects the environment. The results of this study indicate that both traditional and modern maritime economies have an impact on the decline in environmental quality. The community emerges as the key actor influencing the environment.