Coastal Communities' Experiences in Facing Climate Change: A Study on Socio-Ecological Resilience in the Northern Coast of Java

Abstract

Climate change significantly impacts coastal communities, affecting their livelihoods, cultural identity, and social cohesion. Although previous research has explored socio-economic and policy responses to climate change, limited attention has been given to subjective experiences and cultural narratives shaping adaptive behaviors. This study addresses this gap by exploring how coastal communities in North Java perceive and interpret environmental changes through an interpretative phenomenological approach. The study reveals that adaptive strategies are deeply embedded in cultural identity, communal solidarity, and spiritual beliefs, challenging conventional adaptation models focused on technical and economic solutions. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and field observations, analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to identify themes of environmental perception, local adaptation strategies, and social-ecological resilience. The findings demonstrate that cultural narratives and social networks significantly shape adaptive behaviors, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive adaptation policies. This research contributes to a more holistic understanding of social-ecological resilience by integrating emotional, cultural, and social dimensions, paving the way for future studies to explore cross-cultural narratives and intergenerational dynamics in climate adaptation.