The Vibrancy of Eilogo Village in Facing the Modern Era and Climate Change Threats: A Story of a Small Village in Sabu Raijua, East Nusa Tenggara

"Strengthening coastal community resilience by understanding their vulnerabilities and livelihood threats, as well as facilitating the process of finding solutions, is an inseparable part of nature conservation efforts"

Mariski Nirwan | Senior Manager Coastal Resilience YKAN 

This article is the final chapter of the serialized story: The Struggle of Eilogo Village to Survive in the Modern Era and the Threat of Climate Change: A Small Village Story in Sabu Raijua Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The first three chapters can be found here (Understanding the Livelihoods of Eilogo Village & Its Threats, Living with Disasters, Understanding Weak Points to Rise Again).

Next, they brought together perspectives from various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, inter-community groups, and youth. This became the right moment to revive local wisdom as a viable alternative while instilling pride in Eilogo’s cultural identity. The team engaged the community by using appropriate technology to present traditional customs and local knowledge in a more artistic and contemporary manner. This approach successfully captured the interest of the younger generation.

They then consistently framed messages that directly related to the community and could influence changes in mindset. These messages promoting understanding were either communicated independently or integrated into all forms of communication directed toward various stakeholders, including government and the wider community. YKAN ensured that these messages went beyond simple socialisation, delivered consistently to create opportunities for internalisation.

Eventually, the YKAN team and the villagers championed a program designed with a human-centred approach. A sense of ownership and the desire for improvement were nurtured from the start. This approach was applied not as a stand-alone project, but as a strategy of collective adaptation. It also considered post-disaster recovery contexts, with the goal of stimulating regenerative economic activities that systematically benefit both the community and the environment.

YKAN also recognised the gap between traditional institutions and government bodies, which required a framework for cooperation. With strong collaboration, knowledge contributions from both social sciences and natural sciences could flourish, enhancing understanding of environmental change. Ultimately, the policies to be developed are expected to genuinely consider the actual conditions of the village, incorporating local wisdom as a key part of program strategies.

Today, the people of Eilogo have formulated their ideas into communal solutions rooted in local knowledge and the natural strengths of Sabu. Initiatives to enhance livelihoods and adapt to disasters have been collectively designed through water conservation activities and herbal gardens as part of the Beta Cinta Alam program—a novel approach to bolstering their life resilience.

I imagine that these breakthroughs stem entirely from a collective commitment to change. Social internalisation is neither easy nor quick. Yet, I believe that the kinship bonds upholding shared values serve as a solid foundation, a pillar of strength inherited across generations. After all, the community once lived actively in balance with nature. Now is the time to tap into that strength once more.

I find myself longing to visit these coastal areas, not just for a short holiday, but to truly immerse myself in the local life and culture. Have they also found their own solutions to the threats of climate change? I am certain there is so much to learn and discover there. I can’t wait to visit. How about you?