Community Empowerment in Watershed Conservation to Reduce the Risk of Flooding and Erosion: Case Study of the Air Dingin Watershed in Padang City

Abstract

The Air Dingin River Basin (DAS) in Padang City is one of the areas facing environmental pressures due to changes in land use, population growth, and economic activities along the riverbanks. These conditions increase the risk of flooding, erosion, and sedimentation, which impact environmental damage and socio-economic losses for the community. This study aims to analyze the role of community empowerment in supporting the conservation of the Air Dingin River Basin as an effort to reduce the risk of flooding and erosion. The study used a qualitative descriptive approach through a case study with data collection in the form of field observations, interviews with stakeholders, and documentation studies. The results of the study indicate that community empowerment through environmental education, strengthening local institutions, vegetation rehabilitation in the riverbank area, community-based waste management, and participation in river condition monitoring can increase community awareness and involvement in maintaining the ecological function of the watershed. The success of the conservation program is influenced by collaboration between the local government, the community, academics, and the private sector through a participatory and sustainable approach. However, challenges remain such as low consistency of community participation, limited funding, and weak oversight of land use in the watershed area. Therefore, policy strengthening, community capacity building, and the development of community-based conservation programs are needed to maintain the sustainable function of the Air Dingin River Basin. This study provides recommendations that community empowerment is an important strategy in sustainable watershed management and is effective in reducing the risk of flooding and erosion in Padang City in particular.