Studi Tentang Kondisi Hutan dan Dampaknya di Kecamatan Weda Utara Kabupaten Halmahera Tengah

Sari

Indonesia is a country rich in natural resources, both renewable and non-renewable natural resources. The North Maluku Province is a region rich in various mining products. The type of mining production that stands out in North Maluku is nickel mining. This study aims to determine the current condition of the forest in the Weda Utara sub-district, to determine mining activities that have an impact on forest conditions in the Weda Utara sub-district, to determine the impact of mining on the conversion of forest land in the Weda Utara sub-district. This research is a type of qualitative descriptive research. The research method used to research the natural object conditions, where the researcher is the key instrument, data collection techniques are carried out by triangulation (combination), data analysis is inductive, and qualitative research results emphasize meaning more than generalization. Data collection techniques used in this study are by using Observation, Literature Study, Interview, and Documentation. Data analysis techniques in the study using Data Reduction, Data Display, and Conclusion Drawing (Verification). The results of the study showed that: 1) The condition of the forest in Weda Utara District consisting of 5 villages (Gemaf, Sagea, Kiya, Fritu, and Waleh Villages) was very different between before and after mining activities, namely before mining activities the condition of the forest in the 5 villages was still relatively good where farmers could still carry out crop cultivation activities and agricultural land was still relatively good, as well as forest vegetation and the biota living in it were still well maintained. However, with the presence of mining activities, forest damage occurred, marked by massive deforestation, water and air pollution, destruction of endemic flora and fauna habitats, and disruption of water resources which are one of the main needs of the community. Mangrove forests which function as coastal fortresses were also damaged, especially in the Kiya, Fritu and Waleh areas. 2) Mining activities have an impact on forest conditions and the environment as well as Public Health in the form of loss of community livelihoods and a decrease in wildlife populations. In addition, declining water quality causes health problems such as skin diseases while air pollution contributes to increasing cases of flu, coughs, and ARI. 3) The impact of forest land conversion in North Weda District can be in the form of loss of forest cover and risk of flooding, water pollution and clean water crisis, erosion and decline in soil quality, loss of livelihoods, and respiratory diseases due to pollution.