Land use conversion from oil palm plantations to settlements: Environmental impacts and socio-economic determinants in Warmare District

This study examines the environmental and socio-economic impacts of converting oil palm plantations into residential areas in Warmare District, Manokwari Regency, West Papua. Using a descriptive quantitative approach, data were collected from 50 purposively selected respondents through interviews, structured questionnaires, and field measurements. Results show that land conversion significantly affects the environment, with respondents reporting increased air temperatures (66%), pest infestations (86%), flooding (28%), and overall ecosystem degradation (88%). The conversion of 448 hectares of oil palm plantations resulted in an estimated carbon stock loss of 1,045,632 tons, reinforcing previous findings that land-use change is a major contributor to carbon emissions. Socioeconomic analysis reveals that education, income, land accessibility, and low land prices are significant factors influencing land conversion decisions, while household size and agricultural knowledge had no notable effect. The findings also show that households diversify their income sources, with fisheries contributing the largest share. This study highlights the tension between short-term economic benefits and long-term ecological risks. To address these challenges, policy measures are needed, including stronger spatial governance, community capacity-building, sustainable economic incentives, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure that regional development aligns with environmental sustainability principles.