BUDIDAYA IKAN GABUS DALAM UPAYA RESTORASI GAMBUT MELALUI PENDEKATAN KOMUNIKASI LINGKUNGAN

Abstract

Land and Forest Fires (Karhutla) are an annual problem in Indonesia, especially in Riau Province where most of the land consists of peat. Although there has been a decrease in forest and land fires in the last three years, 862.89 hectares of peatland are still burned as of July 2023. As part of the restoration effort, a cork fish farming program was launched in Penyengat Village, Riau initiated by Alam Siak Lestari (ASL) in collaboration with the Peat and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM) and the local government. This research aims to further analyze cork fish farming in peat restoration efforts through an environmental communication approach. The methods used are in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation. The results show that the economic value restoration program through cork fish farming can maintain peat soil moisture, prevent fires, and strengthen the balance of the ecosystem. An effective communication approach in conveying environmental messages proved important in encouraging changes in local community behavior.