Date of Award
2026
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Marine Affairs
Department
Marine Affairs
First Advisor
Carlos Garcia-Quijano
Abstract
Mangrove forests in Youtefa Bay hold critical ecological and cultural significance for the Enggros community, particularly for women. Known as the “women’s forest,” this area is where Enggros women harvest shellfish and collect firewood. Women shellfishers have a close relationship with the forest, where they connect with their children and other women. However, rapid urban development and pollution around the mangrove ecosystem have negatively impacted the women shellfishers and their role in managing the mangrove forest. Shellfishing activity will likely decrease as urban development around the forest increases, and more waste flows into the forest. This research examines the role of Enggros women’s local knowledge and the challenges they face in protecting the mangrove forest. Based on interviews and field observations, key challenges include decreased number of women going into the forest, loss of mangrove areas, easy and open access to the mangrove forest, and increased waste pollution. Women shellfishers feel uncomfortable and unsafe going to “women’s forest”, and this might lead to loss of “women’s forest”, local knowledge, and the community’s traditional practices. This paper emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the local government and Enggros women shellfishers to protect resources, preserve the ecosystem, and support the livelihoods of the Enggros community.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Rumbiak, Helmawaty E., "WOMEN SHELLFISHERS’ ROLE IN MANAGING ‘WOMEN’S FOREST’ AND CONSERVATION CHALLENGES IN YOUTEFA BAY, INDONESIA" (2026). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2715.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2715