Indigenous Wisdom and Environmental Conservation: Cultural-Ecological Insights from Karampuang, Sinjai

Abstract

This study explores the philosophical meanings embedded in the indigenous traditions of the Karampuang community, Sinjai Regency, and their role in environmental conservation. The research aims to uncover how local wisdom, rituals, and customary regulations contribute to ecological sustainability. Data were obtained through qualitative field research, including in-depth interviews with community leaders and elders, participant observation of traditional ceremonies, and document analysis of customary laws. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret cultural practices within a philosophical and ecological framework. Results indicate that the Karampuang traditions embody values of harmony with nature, intergenerational responsibility, and sacred respect for natural resources, manifested through ritual prohibitions, spatial land-use norms, and symbolic practices. These traditions function as an indigenous environmental management system that regulates resource use and preserves biodiversity. The study concludes that such cultural-ecological systems offer sustainable models for contemporary environmental governance, especially in contexts where modern regulations face implementation challenges. The findings are useful for policymakers, environmentalists, and cultural preservationists, highlighting the potential integration of indigenous philosophical perspectives into modern conservation strategies.