Social–ecological resilience of communities in facing the cumulative impacts of sand mining and climate change

Prayuda, Adam Bergas
Wijayanto, Dian

Journal of Critical Ecology
Vol. 3 No. 1: (February) 2026

Background:  This study explores the socio–ecological resilience of communities, in responding to the cumulative impacts of sand mining and climate change. Methods: Using a qualitative case study approach grounded in a constructivist paradigm, data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, field observations, and document analysis. Findings: The results show that intensive sand mining and rising sea levels have led to environmental degradation, declining agricultural productivity, and socio-economic vulnerability. Despite these challenges, local communities have developed adaptive strategies, including livelihood diversification, collective cooperation, and the strengthening of local institutions. However, resilience remains largely adaptive and short-term rather than transformative. Weak governance, fragmented policies, and economic dependency on extractive activities continue to limit sustainable transformation. Conclusion: This study proposes a three-pillar collaborative resilience framework—integrated governance, sustainable economy, and ecological restoration—to enhance long-term socio–ecological resilience. The findings extend socio–ecological resilience theory by demonstrating how cumulative environmental pressures interact with governance fragmentation, highlighting the importance of transformative institutional coordination. The proposed framework offers policy-relevant insights for strengthening climate adaptation and watershed governance in coastal regions of Indonesia. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study integrates adaptive capacity analysis with collaborative governance within a socio–ecological systems perspective, contributing both theoretical advancement and practical guidance for sustainable watershed management. The findings extend socio–ecological resilience theory by demonstrating how cumulative environmental pressures interact with governance fragmentation, highlighting the importance of transformative institutional coordination for long-term sustainability.