INTEGRATION OF KELAY RIVER BUFFERZONE PROTECTION AND LESAN PROTECTED FOREST

INTEGRATION OF KELAY RIVER BUFFERZONE PROTECTION AND LESAN PROTECTED FOREST

Kelay River is included in the category of Large Rivers because it has a River Basin Area (DAS) of 7,027 km², which far exceeds the threshold of 500 km² to be categorized as a large river. With a length of ±155 km, the Kelay River is one of the main rivers in East Kalimantan. Along the Kelay River, there are 14 villages that are highly dependent on this river, both for daily life and for transportation. This river not only provides clean water for local residents but also functions as an important transportation route connecting these villages. There are more than 100 tributaries that flow into the Kelay River. These tributaries originate from a 3 million hectare forest area located upstream. This forest area is an integral part of the Heart of Borneo, a conservation initiative that aims to protect the biodiversity and rainforest ecosystems on the island of Borneo. These forests serve as a vital water catchment area for the Kelay River, ensuring a steady and clean flow of water that supports life along the river.

Kelay River is very important in the forest landscape of East Kalimantan. The availability of water from the Kelay River is a crucial factor for living things in this landscape, both wildlife and communities. One important feature in this area is the presence of karst mountains that function as water catchments. These karst mountains play an important role in maintaining hydrological balance, allowing rainwater to be absorbed and stored in the karst system which then slowly releases it into the river. Lesan protected forest area and the Kelay River buffer forest serve as the main link between two large landscapes: Wehea Kelay and Kelay Sangkulirang Mangkalihat. Therefore, it is very important to maintain the sustainability of the Lesan protected forest together with the surrounding community so that this area remains safe and the corridor connecting the two landscapes is not broken. The Lesan forest is home to more than 200 species of flora and 52 species of mammals. In addition, there are 180 species of birds, as well as 30 species of reptiles and amphibians that live in this forest. Lesan Protected Forest is the key to uniting the two large landscapes so that they can become one integrated area. This must be done to save animals affected by forest destruction that occurs in the southern region. By connecting the two landscapes, it will provide space for a wider wildlife habitat and allow them to move freely and find the resources needed to survive.

Kelay River and the Lesan protected forest area are key elements in maintaining the ecological balance in East Kalimantan. Through conservation efforts involving various stakeholders, including local communities and conservation organizations, we can protect this important habitat and ensure the survival of the many species that live in it. Efforts such as the formation of community rangers and forest patrols are important steps in maintaining the integrity of the forest area and preventing illegal activities that cause damage. By preserving and connecting existing landscapes, we can create a better environment for the wildlife and the people who depend on them.