Assessing the Level of Ecological Awareness of Local Communities in Relation to Myths of Ocean Space: A Case Study in Selayar Islands, Indonesia

In ecological studies, the relationship between humans as organisms and the geographical environment is inseparable and influences each other. The geographical environment through its shape and nature is able to shape and change the nature, character, and even human belief systems through a process. Conversely, humans are able to change the condition of geographical space for certain interests. This study examines the relationship between the myth of space and the emergence of human ecological awareness with the unit of analysis being coastal communities in the Selayar Islands. As a qualitative research with a sociology of space approach, this study uses data collection techniques: observation, interviews and documentation. The results show that the myth of the belief that every water space, both river and sea, has a guardian in the form of an invisible creature, creates ecological awareness. They do not damage the water space, do not pollute, and do not overexploit it. The issue of ecological awareness based on socio-cultural values is interestingly linked to a sustainable marine environment in relation to strategies to preserve coastal ecological spaces.