Вода и конфликты: исследование доступности пресноводных ресурсов в национальном парке Комодо.

Введение

Access to freshwater is critical for human survival and livelihoods everywhere — including in protected areas like Национальный парк Комодо in Eastern Indonesia. This study, conducted by Risdawati Ahmad, Kikiy Mega Nurmawati, and Abdul Kodir, examines how local communities living in Komodo National Park access and manage freshwater resources. It also assesses whether scarcity of water has led to social conflict, drawing on environmental conflict theories by Homer-Dixon and Gleick.

The research focuses on two islands within the park — Остров Комодо и Остров Ринка — both of which host indigenous communities whose survival depends on the availability of freshwater.

Study Purpose and Approach

The primary goals of the study were:

• To describe how communities gain access to freshwater resources in the Komodo National Park area.
• To evaluate whether scarcity of freshwater has triggered conflict or forced migration among local residents.

The researchers used qualitative methods, involving detailed interviews with village leaders, traditional community representatives, and local fishermen. Collected data were analyzed through systematic steps, such as data collection, reduction, presentation, and interpretation.

Freshwater Conditions on Komodo and Rinca Islands

Остров Комодо

On Komodo Island, freshwater is relatively available thanks to natural sources such as a large river flowing through Kampung Baru (New Village). This river is fed by rainfall and, despite dry seasons, consistently provides sufficient freshwater throughout the year. The lush surrounding forest supports groundwater recharge, allowing springs and shallow wells to maintain reliable flows.

Local residents on Komodo Island have developed multiple wells drawing from this freshwater source. More than ten wells are privately owned, and four are shared among villagers. Some residents, especially in Kampung Lama (Old Village), rely on water from the shared wells and sometimes purchase it because their own areas lack wells.

Остров Ринка

In contrast, residents of Остров Ринка face greater challenges in accessing freshwater. Here, local water supplies are insufficient, forcing many residents to bring freshwater from outside the island — a process that is both difficult and expensive. This situation highlights the uneven distribution of water resources within the park’s geography.

Water Scarcity and Social Conflict

The study refers to environmental conflict theories by Homer-Dixon and Gleick, which suggest:

1. Scarcity of natural resources like freshwater can increase social tensions.
2. Resource scarcity may trigger forced migration or demographic shifts.
3. Severe scarcity could escalate into deeper struggles over access and control.

However, the findings in Национальный парк Комодо contradict these expectations:

• Despite differences in water availability, the scarcity of freshwater did not lead to open conflict between residents.
• No large-scale migrations occurred from areas with limited water to areas with abundant water.

This outcome differs from many theoretical models because community values and social norms played a crucial role in maintaining harmony. Shared cultural principles of gotong royong (mutual cooperation) and trust helped people manage water resources collaboratively rather than competitively.

Key Factors in Water Management and Harmony

Several community characteristics helped avoid conflict:

• Mutual cooperation: Villagers work together in managing shared water sources and distributing supplies fairly.
• Cultural trust: Shared beliefs and social bonds reduce disputes over natural resources.
• Local solutions: In some areas, small groups oversee water collection and distribution, organizing access in a way that reflects local needs.

Заключение

The case of Komodo National Park shows that freshwater scarcity does not automatically lead to conflict. Instead, social cohesion and traditional community practices can play powerful roles in mediating access to essential resources, even in environments with limited water availability

These findings offer an important perspective for policymakers and conservation planners: the human dimension of resource management — cultural values, cooperation, and mutual support — can significantly influence environmental outcomes as much as the physical availability of the resources themselves

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