The Uses of Cempaka Wood (Magnolia spp) by the Community in Rumoong Atas Village North Sulawesi, Indonesia and Its Environmental Impact

Abstract

The uses of cempaka wood to satisfy the demand in constructing houses and household furniture is considered as environmental-friendly doings which can reinforce the efforts of preventing global warming. Cempaka is commonly used by the people in North Sulawesi. This study aims to discover the use of cempaka wood in Rumoong Atas Village, North Sulawesi and its environmental impact. The methods employed are descriptive method based on the interview results from the participants in Rumoong Atas Village and field surveys. The findings indicate that there are various usages of cempaka wood in the village. The villagers prefer cempaka woods because of hereditary uses and the level of cultural historical attachment, excellent timber quality and texture, and the availability. These diverse functions contain implications for abundant existence of cempaka plants around Rumoong Atas Village. The survival of cempaka plants must be maintained and developed continuously because of their varied functions in Rumoong Atas area. The enhancement of these plants by the public of Rumoong Atas is expected to preserve the existence of natural forests in North Sulawesi which have been declining in both quality and quantity and deliver significant influence towards additional width of critical areas.