Bird Hunting in Krangkeng,West Java: Linking Conservation and Development

Abstract

In developing countries such as Indonesia, the necessity of integrating conservation and development has become somewhat axiomatic. However, working to integrate these two objectives is very difficult. This article considers the problems facing one attempt to do this: a project on the north coast of West Java. Here, along a stretch of coast 5-10 kilometers wide and 60 kilometers long, villagers catch close to 200,000 migratory and resident waterbirds each year. From a conservation perspective, this hunting is putting an unsustainable pressure on many species. For instance, in 1990 researchers estimated that hunting in this area culled about 20% of the world population of oriental pratincoles (Glarerola maldivarum). However, given the underdeveloped economy of the area, from the perspective of poor villagers bird hunting is the most rational choice. This case shows the conflict between the conservation values most associated with the West and the survival needs of the poor. We may argue over which has greater value, yet conservation work must deal with the underlying socioeconomic problems facing a large number of marginal people in this region.