The economic value of the resource utilization of wetlands: comparative study of beje fisheries in North Hulu, Sungai Regency, South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

Beje fishery in wetlands is generally managed by fishermen only on the basis of their own capital and experience, so that land is cleared as far as possible without considering the financial feasibility aspects of the business and the conservation of wetlands. The aims of the study were to determine the volume and value of production, and the feasibility of beje fishery business based on the number of management units. The location of the study was determined purposively, namely Papuyu River Village, North Hulu Sungai Regency of South Kalimantan, and samples were taken by census of 20 fisherman beje households. The samples are grouped into 3 groups based on the number of managed beje units are small groups (1-5 units); middle group (6-10 units); and large groups (more than 10 units). Primary data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and business feasibility analysis through investment criteria approach. The results showed that the highest total beje production volume per unit is categorized as the moderate level with production reaching 100.91 kg year-1 with the highest production value per unit was approximately Rp 1,244,090 year-1. The middle management group has better land use, capital and operational efficiency than small and large groups.