CONTESTATION OF INTERESTS IN PLANNING A GEOCONSERVATION AREA IN GUNUNG SUNGGING VILLAGE: A MULTI LEVEL PERSPECTIVE STUDY

• Main Author: Astari, Rahmita
• Format: Theses
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/87645
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Geoconservation seeks to protect and preserve geological components that hold significant value for research and education. Geoconservation is becoming increasingly relevant in the face of exploitation threats that can damage the sustainability of geological components, especially those with scientific value as geological heritage. This study focuses on the dynamics of the transition from exploitation to conservation of megalodon fossils in Gunung Sungging Village, Surade District, Sukabumi Regency. The discovery of megalodon fossils in late 2019, which have high scientific value as geoheritage, was the beginning of massive exploitation and buying and selling of fossils. This activity poses a threat to the sustainability of fossils as part of geoheritage. The issue triggered concerns from various parties, including the Sukabumi Regency Government, the Ciletuh- Palabuhanratu Geopark Management Agency, and the local community. The different interests in the scientific and economic value of fossils became the issue in this study. The study aims to analyze the transition process, the roles of the involved actors, and identify efforts in planning of geoconservation area. Employing a qualitative approach within the Multi Level Perspective (MLP) framework, the study highlights the interactions between the community, government, academics, and relevant institutions play an important role in driving the change from exploitation to conservation. One of the concrete results of geoconservation efforts is the establishment of a Megalodon Museum to serve as a center for preservation, research, and education. This study contributes to the planning of geoconservation area while underscoring the importance of active community participation in safeguarding geoheritage. The insights offered can serve as a reference for addressing similar issues in other regions facing challenges geoheritage conservation, particularly in managing the contestation of interests between scientific and economic values.