Assessing Conservation Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors for Developing a Customary School the Dayak Community in Ensaid Panjang Village

Abstract

Deforestation and land-use change in Kalimantan threaten forest sustainability and the cultural resilience of Indigenous communities. The Dayak community in Ensaid Panjang Village maintains strong local wisdom in forest management; however, structured conservation education has not been formally established. This creates a gap between traditional knowledge transmission and the need for adaptive, community-based conservation strategies. This study aims to analyze the key variables determining the level of conservation knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the Dayak Indigenous community in Ensaid Panjang Village. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys, interviews, participatory observation, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Data were analyzed using MICMAC to identify key driving variables and MACTOR to examine stakeholder roles and relationships. The results highlight key factors influencing conservation behavior, including local wisdom, community participation, and institutional support. Stakeholder analysis reveals strong potential for collaboration in developing a customary school model. This model is expected to strengthen conservation awareness while supporting ecotourism and cultural-based economic opportunities.In conclusion, a customary school approach provides a strategic pathway to integrate conservation, culture, and sustainable local development.