Environmental Management Based (EMB) on Local Wisdom for Sustainable Utilization of Natural Resources in the Environmental Rescue Movement (ERM) in Villages, South Konawe, Indonesia

ABSTRACT: This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study strategy in four villages in South Konawe Regency, Indonesia, to explore environmental management practices based on local wisdom with the Building Village Index (BVI) instrument, which includes social, economic, and environmental resilience dimensions. The study results show that local wisdom, such as traditional planting patterns, customary law, and water and natural resource management through traditional rituals, play a significant role in maintaining the balance of the village ecosystem while strengthening cultural identity. The integration of local wisdom with appropriate technology has been proven to increase ecological awareness, strengthen social solidarity, and support equitable distribution of resources, although improvements in waste and energy governance are still needed. Theoretically, these findings enrich the literature on village resilience based on local wisdom, while practically providing evidence-based policy recommendations to strengthen ecological conservation and sustainable village development.