Socio-ecological perspectives on bamboo diversity and community-based conservation in west Papua’s Kebar Valley

Ajoi, Melianus and Maturbongs, Rudi A. and Ungirwalu, Antoni and Wurarah, Rully N. (2025) Socio-ecological perspectives on bamboo diversity and community-based conservation in west Papua’s Kebar Valley. World Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences, 16 (1). pp. 546-558. ISSN 2582-8266

Background: Bamboo plays a significant ecological and cultural role in tropical ecosystems, yet research on its diversity and traditional management in eastern Indonesia remains limited. The Kebar Valley in West Papua, inhabited by the Mpur and Miyah indigenous communities, represents a unique socio-ecological landscape where bamboo is both a biological resource and a cultural artifact. Understanding bamboo diversity and its traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is critical for developing sustainable conservation strategies. Methods: This study applied a mixed-method approach, combining taxonomic surveys across 15 stratified plots (20 × 20 m), morphological identification of voucher specimens, and semi-structured interviews with 30 local informants. Quantitative analyses used the Shannon–Wiener diversity index and multivariate correlation between species distribution and environmental factors (elevation, soil type, humidity). At the same time, qualitative data were thematically analyzed to reveal local classification systems and multifunctional uses. Findings: Sixteen bamboo taxa were recorded, including 12 scientifically identified species from five genera (Gigantochloa, Schizostachyum, Bambusa, Dendrocalamus, Neololeba) and three taxa yet to be classified. Local communities distinguish bamboo based on culm color, strength, and habitat, linking these traits to uses in construction, food (shoots), ritual ceremonies, and musical instruments. Bambusa vulgaris and Dendrocalamus asper dominate construction, while Schizostachyum cf lima holds ritual significance. The biodiversity index (H’ = 2.47) reflects moderate to high diversity, strongly influenced by elevation and soil type, consistent with niche ecological theory. Conclusion: Integrating TEK and scientific taxonomy reveals adaptive community-based management practices that sustain biodiversity and cultural heritage. This socio-ecological perspective offers a framework for co-management strategies that align indigenous knowledge with formal conservation policies in tropical ecosystems. Novelty/Originality: This study provides the first integrated taxonomic and socio-ecological assessment of bamboo diversity in West Papua, introduces previously undocumented taxa, and offers practical recommendations for community-based bamboo conservation and sustainable livelihood development.