Climate change exacerbated by El Nino years in Timor Tengah Selatan district (East Nusa Tenggara), have increased the incidence of severe water scarcity as many sources dry up during prolonged droughts.
Consequently, the water utility often must reduce or stop providing services. For the community, it means they must seek alternatives and frequently spend more money on water.
From March 10 to March 15, 2024, USAID IUWASH Tangguh, the Benenain Noelmina Watershed Management Agency (BPDAS) and the District Environment Office (DLH), in collaboration with the local community organized the reforestation of the watershed catchment area in Kesetnana village.
Together, they planted 800 trees, with such variety as mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) and arecaa nuts (Areca catechu L.). Over time, the newly planted trees will increase water retention, help protect the soil, and ensure regular flow of clean water.
USAID IUWASH Tangguh and the DLH also trained the local community to measure the quality and capacity of the eight springs in the village using a simple method to enable them to monitor the effects of tree planting on the water supply.
The leader of the tree planting initiative, Ms. Adriana Lemanah, explained their water and environment conservation efforts, “We want to leave behind our legacya protected environment and an abundant supply of clean waterfor our children and grandchildren.”
In support of Lemanah’s work, the Head of Kesetnana village instructed villagers to replace trees they cut for building houses by planting new ones.
Mr. Jetro Luikonas from the DLH highly appreciates the community’s initiatives as they will positively impact other springs in the downstream areas. “Tree planting increases land cover and control runoff so that water retention is enhanced.”
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