Cultural Capital of the Communities in the Mangrove Conservation in the Coastal areas of Ambon Dalam Bay, Moluccas, Indonesia

Abstract

Mangroves have an important role to the conservation of the ecosystem continues to experience damage due to land conversion activities. But on the other hand there are still people who attempted to preserve and maintain the mangroves in their area. This research aims to describe the efforts of the communities by using the cultural capital concept that they have. The method used is a case study, in which data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews and participant observation. The data were analysed using the theory of cultural capital. The results showed that people were able to adapt and modify the environment as a form of cultural capital possessed. The communities applying traditional ecological knowledge and establish institutions so that mangrove conservation is maintained. The government may accommodate the cultural capital in development policy and coastal areas conservation.