Integrating Indigenous Knowledge into Sustainable Forest Management for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies: Case from Southern Slopes of Mount Slamet, Indonesia

Rural communities near forests are highly vulnerable to climate change due to frequent natural disasters and extreme weather. This study investigated local wisdom in forest management as a strategy to address climate challenges. Conducted in April–May 2024 on the southern slopes of Mount Slamet, Central Java (i.e., Gununglurah, Sokawera, and Sunyalangu Villages), the research used a participatory learning action approach and descriptive-quantitative analysis based on interpretive and critical sociology. Key findings highlight three aspects of community-based forest management: spatial categorization of forests into sacred conservation forests (tabet), protected forests in steep areas, and production forests managed through agroforestry; temporal scheduling based on the traditional pranatamangsa seasonal calendar; and plant selection for production, conservation, and spiritual purposes. These practices reflect a deep socio-cultural connection to forests and provide a foundation for integrating traditional wisdom with modern management methods. Legal recognition is essential to protect the rights of indigenous communities and their forest management systems, ensuring that these practices contribute to sustainable forest management and effective climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.