Law in the Age of Climate Change: Protecting the Livelihood Rights of Coastal Communities in Indramayu Regency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65815/naw42x47Keywords:
climate change, coastal communities, livelihood rights, adaptation, legal protectionAbstract
Climate change increases the vulnerability of coastal communities through sea-level rise, coastal erosion, changing weather patterns, and declining natural-resource productivity. Communities dependent on fisheries and coastal resources face not only economic risks but also legal uncertainty concerning the protection of their livelihoods. This study aims to examine the capacity of existing legal frameworks to protect the livelihood rights of coastal communities in Indramayu Regency in the context of climate change. The study employs a socio-legal approach combining analysis of environmental and coastal regulations with empirical research involving local communities and government institutions. Particular attention is given to the relationship between climate-adaptation policies, social protection, coastal governance, and community participation. The study argues that adaptation policies are insufficient when they focus primarily on infrastructure development and physical risk reduction. Legal protection should also address livelihood sustainability, access to resources, information, participation, and effective remedies when adaptation policies negatively affect local communities. A rights-based approach can strengthen the legitimacy of climate-adaptation policies while ensuring that vulnerable coastal populations do not bear disproportionate adaptation burdens. The study therefore contributes to the development of climate governance that integrates environmental resilience with social justice and community rights.
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