<![CDATA[Protected forest conservation in the upper watershed area of Pemali River faces complex challenges involving ecological, economic, social, and political dimensions. Mass media play a strategic role in framing conservation narratives, yet environmental issue representation in media is often biased and does not provide space for critical public participation. This research aims to analyze critical media literacy of communities regarding protected forest conservation issues in the upper Pemali watershed, identify media representation patterns of conservation issues, and formulate a media literacy model that supports public participation in protected forest governance. This study employs a qualitative approach with media content analysis and in-depth interviews with three informant groups: local and national media journalists, environmental activists and indigenous communities, and government and private sector stakeholders. Data were collected through analysis of 150 media articles from 2020-2024, interviews with 45 informants, and participant observation in five villages surrounding the protected forest area. Results indicate that media representation of protected forest conservation issues is dominated by conflict and economic frames, with minimal holistic ecological perspectives and local community voices. The level of critical media literacy among communities remains low, particularly in the ability to identify media bias, verify information, and participate in alternative content production. Factors influencing critical media literacy include education level, access to digital media, community social capital, and direct experience with conservation issues. This research recommends developing critical media literacy programs integrated with environmental education, strengthening community media as alternative articulation spaces, and transforming environmental journalism practices toward more participatory and community-based models. The theoretical contribution of this research is the development of an ecological media literacy framework that connects critical media capabilities with environmental awareness and action.]]>
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