Indigenous management of natural water resources in dryland areas of NTT, a case for mamar

'Mamar' are small pockets of forest (tree gardens) around natural springs and waterways in Indonesia. They have avoided the usually destructive agents of fire and poor management (over utilization), respectively, because of a natural resistance, and better use practices (in the light of the degradation of surrounding areas). In Nusa Tenggara, almost every spring is surrounded and protected by a mamar consisting of tree species such as Areca catechu, Cocos nucifera, Mangifera indica, Bambusa spp. and Musa spp. Mamars are also found along streams and rivers, or on land irrigated by these water sources. They vary in size and use, with some quite primitive in development, and others well regulated and managed. This paper gives an account of the origin (mostly man-made), functions, management and utilization (for crops/products from trees and other plants, for irrigation water, as fish ponds, etc.) of mamars, and suggests that their further development could help to provide long-term sustainable development in this dry and poverty stricken region of Indonesia.