Empowering the Community-based Bamboo Utilization to Advance Sustainable Coastal Ecosystem in East Lampung Regency

<ns3:p>Abstract* Background Coastal ecosystems, including mangrove forests, are at the core of the socio-economic life of the local communities. Conversely, these ecosystems remain highly sensitive to the increasing impacts of climate change. Against such a backdrop, bamboo has been an important material, especially for construction and tool-making in coastal areas like East Lampung Regency. Despite the importance, such bamboo demands have yet to be met by local supplies or by the development of downstream value-added processing. Policy and Implications This study illustrates the strategic potential of bamboo as an economic and ecological resource, contributing to coastal resilience in East Lampung. If integrated into the Nature-based Solutions (NbS) framework, bamboo utilization can enhance livelihoods while restoring and protecting coastal ecosystems in communities. The study has revealed that sustainable management of bamboo provides a means to link environmental conservation to inclusive local development and climate adaptation. Recommendations The study outlines four strategies designed to advance the sustainable use of bamboo in East Lampung, including (a) empowering community-based bamboo cultivation focuses on facilitating regeneration activities that restore ecosystems and provide economic benefits to local communities, (b) investing in capacity building to equip local communities and key stakeholders with essential knowledge and skills in sustainable bamboo management and utilization, (c) driving policy advocacy that aims to champion the cause of sustainable bamboo utilization across multiple sectors, and (d) strengthening institutional frameworks that strengthen upstream bamboo resource management and optimize downstream processing and marketing systems, establish a robust industry infrastructure. Conclusions Bamboo utilization in East Lampung has the potential to change from a traditional subsistence material to a strategic instrument toward coastal sustainability. Bamboo-based initiatives can support ecological resilience, help boost the economy along the coast, and inspire a stronger socio-cultural regeneration toward a more sustainable future for East Lampung through the NbS approach.</ns3:p>