The conservation activities and land use changes in the upstream Bedadung watershed

Abstract

Bedadung watershed is one of the largest watersheds in Jember Regency. The Bedadung watershed in upstream area is generally hilly with steep slopes, so it is prone to landslides and potential to erosion. The upstream area is a protected forest that functions as a water catchment area, turning into plantation and production forest to become the target of logging and deforestation. Conservation activities in the upstream watershed area is essential in the management of water resources. Natural resource management activities in the upstream area significantly affect the success of efforts to provide water and control water resources downstream damage. This study aimed to identify conservation activities in the upstream Bedadung watershed and the impact of changes in upstream land use on environmental damage. The conservation activities in the Jompo, Antrokan, Rempangan, and Rembangan Sub-watersheds is coffe plantation, cover crop, forestry, terrace, restoration, bush, grassland. The highest increase in land change in the four sub-watersged was irrigated land / field, while the decrease was non-irrigated land. The results of comparisons between the 2001 RBI map with the 2015 Landsat Image show an 8% forest loss and 7% increase in irrigated fields.