By: Prof. Dr. Ir. Robiyanto Hendro Susanto,. M. Agr. Sc. and Dina Muthmainnah.
Non tidal lowlands (lebak) is an ecosystem nearby the rivers and alternately changing from aquatic habitat during the rainy season and terrestrial habitat during the dry season. The dominant vegetations are grasses ( i.e. kumpai – graminae) rooted at the base with leaves and stems on the surface. In aquatic ecosystems, these swamps are habitat for many species of freshwater fishes and other wild animals. Water bufflow is a large ruminant that have been adapted into this water environment. Water bufflow can take kumpai grass as its food by grazing while swimming.
Climate change may increase rainfall so the aquatic phase of the lebak then the teresterial area for water bufflow will be no longer available. The drought might come to reduce the aquatic areas throughout the year and will endanger the fresh water fishes. During the flooding conditions throughout the year, there were no rice or horticulture cultivation in such areas. The changing of lebak ecosystem has to be anticipated by considering simultaneously the ecosystem as the water bufflow and freshwater habitats.
An integrated lowland management approach has to consider the biophysical factors, hydro topography, socio cultural condition of the community, as well as the needs of local government. In order to do so, the followings have to be done: understanding the climatic conditions, hydrology and water management of the area; exploring the technical aspects related with the water bufflow and freshwater fishes; considering the socio-economic-culture of community as well as the vision of the local government. The role of research and development trough the involvement of Universities, Research and Development Agencies, private sectors enterprises, and the community are very important for implementing the integrated development and management of unit ecosystem. Some integrated actions for the area have to be mapped accordingly.
Keywords: Non tidal lowlands (lebak), hydro topography, water buffalo, inland waters, fishery, integrated lowland management, climate change