CARRYING CAPACITY OF SATUI WATERSHED IN SOUTH KALIMANTAN PROVINCE, INDONESIA

Abstract

Regional Research and Development Agency recorded that flood prone areas in Tanah Bumbu Regency including in Satui watershed from 2007 to 2010 increased to 22 villages (Badan Penelitian dan Pengembangan Daerah, 2010). Critical land in Satui watershed was 31% of the entire area (Balai Pengelolaan Daerah Aliran Sungai Barito, 2013). The number of farmers who need land resources to improve their welfare increases to 197,229 households every year. The characteristics assessment study and the efforts in establishing sustainable productive land conditions based on the carrying capacity of Satui watershed were carried out using an ecological approach in which the analysis process and presentation were done spatially. Characteristics of updating parameters of carrying capacity classification include: a) Land condition; b) Quality, quantity and continuity of water (water system); c) Socio-economic and institutional aspects; d) Water building investment; and e) Spatial use. The results of the assessment criteria and weighting indicated that 129.25 areas were classified into the areas with restored carrying capacity. The effort in restoring the carrying capacity improves the devices for environmental protection and management to increase environmental quality index, to control flood vulnerability, to manage water system, and to improve community welfare