Profiting from Honey Bees; sustainable method from Danau Sentarum National Park

Summary

The Taman Nasional Danau Sentarum, located in Hulu Sungai Kapuas, is a unique wetland area consisting of 80 large and small lakes, covering 132,000 hectares. This region is home to the stilt-root forest, which provides a distinctive habitat for various species, including the red-flowered Putat tree that attracts wild bees, essential for honey production. The area is also a significant fishery resource for West Kalimantan, with around 60% of freshwater fish supplied by the lake. The local economy relies heavily on fishing and honey, with an average yield of 20-25 tons of wild honey per season. The community, predominantly Malay and Dayak, adheres to traditional practices for beekeeping, using methods like 'lalau,' 'repak,' and 'tikung' for honey collection. The script also touches on the environmental threats faced by the area, such as illegal logging and forest fires, and the importance of community efforts in conservation.

Takeaways

• 🌳 Taman Nasional Danau Sentarum is a unique wetland area located in Hulu Sungai Kapuas, consisting of 80 large and small lakes that are dependent on the Kapuas River's water flow.
• 🌧️ The water level in the lake area can reach up to 12 meters deep during the rainy season, and can recede to the bottom during the dry season.
• 🐝 The area is covered by swampy forest vegetation, which is home to many wild bees, including the Apis dorsata species that produce forest honey.
• 🌺 The Putat tree, with its red flowers, is a significant source of nectar for bees during the flowering season.
• 🐟 Danau Sentarum is the largest fish producer in the West Kalimantan region, with around 60% of the freshwater fish supply coming from this area.
• 🏞️ The local economy and the livelihoods of the people living around Danau Sentarum are heavily dependent on the natural resources available, such as fish and honey.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The majority of the population around Danau Sentarum are indigenous Malay and Dayak people, whose lives are closely tied to the surrounding natural resources.
• 🐝 There are three traditional methods of honey harvesting in the area: lalau, repak, and tikung, each with its own characteristics and practices.
• 🏡 The 'periau' system is a traditional institution among the local people that functions to regulate and manage the use of natural resources, such as honey farming and fishing.
• 🌱 The honey harvesting process has been improved over time, with better techniques leading to higher honey quality and a significant increase in the price of honey from Rp5,000 to Rp20,000 per kg.
• 🌲 The survival of wild forest honey in the area is under threat from illegal logging and forest fires, which can severely impact the production of honey and the local community's livelihood.

Q & A

What is Taman Nasional Danau Sentarum known for?

Taman Nasional Danau Sentarum is known for being a unique wetland area consisting of 80 large and small lakes that are dependent on the Kapuas River's water flow. It is also recognized for its biodiversity, including a significant population of wild bees and its role in supporting the local economy through fish and honey production.

How does the water level in Danau Sentarum fluctuate?

The water level in Danau Sentarum can fluctuate significantly. During the rainy season, the water depth can reach up to 12 meters, while in the dry season, the water surface can recede to the point of reaching the bottom.

What is the significance of the Putat tree in the Danau Sentarum area?

The Putat tree is significant in Danau Sentarum because it produces red flowers that bloom during the flowering season, attracting wild bees which rely on these flowers as a primary food source. This relationship is crucial for the ecosystem and supports the local honey production.

Which type of bees are responsible for producing forest honey in the Danau Sentarum region?

Apis dorsata is one of the wild bee species in the Danau Sentarum region that is responsible for producing forest honey. These bees can only live in the wild and are a key source of natural honey in the area.

How much forest honey is produced in Danau Sentarum each season?

The Danau Sentarum area can produce between 20 to 25 tons of forest honey each season, which is a significant contribution to the local economy.

What is the role of the indigenous communities in Danau Sentarum?

The indigenous communities, such as the Malay and Dayak people, play a crucial role in Danau Sentarum. They rely heavily on the natural resources available in the area, with fishing and honey production being their primary sources of income.

What are the three methods of honey harvesting mentioned in the script?

The three methods of honey harvesting mentioned are lalau, repak, and Tikung. Lalau refers to the natural nesting places of the Apis dorsata bees in large trees, repak is a specific type of tree used by the bees for nesting, and Tikung are man-made hives attached to the trees.

How does the 'periau' system regulate honey farming in Danau Sentarum?

The 'periau' system is a traditional institution among the local community that regulates honey farming. It sets rules to prevent conflicts among farmers and to protect the environment, such as prohibiting illegal logging and forest burning, which can damage the honey production sites.

What are the environmental threats to the natural honey production in Danau Sentarum?

The environmental threats to natural honey production in Danau Sentarum include illegal logging, which targets the large trees used by bees for nesting, and forest fires, which can halt honey production for several years due to the destruction of the habitat.

How does the conservation of Danau Sentarum contribute to the local community's welfare?

Conserving Danau Sentarum indirectly benefits the local community by providing them with an incentive to protect the forest. The bees, which are crucial for honey production, rely on the forest's health, and by preserving it, the community can sustain their livelihoods through honey and fish production.

What is the significance of the honey production process in Danau Sentarum for the local economy?

Honey production in Danau Sentarum is significant for the local economy as it provides an additional source of income, especially during seasons when fish catches are low. The improved honey harvesting techniques have also increased the value of honey, with the price per kilogram increasing fourfold from previous rates.