Land degradation, driven by levels of land criticality, is a global issue that significantly impacts land
productivity, food security, and the environment. Land use that deviates from conservation principles contributes to
surface runoff, erosion, and a range of economic and environmental consequences. This study aims to analyze the
degree of land criticality as a basis for shaping sustainable conservation policies. The spatial analysis of critical land
was conducted by overlaying erosion hazard maps, derived using the RUSLE method and Geographic Information
Systems (GIS), with slope maps and land management maps in agricultural areas, protected forest areas, and zones
outside protected forest areas. The studys findings revealed that the erosion hazard index in the Meko Sub-Watershed,
Central Sulawesi, is primarily characterized by a very high erosion hazard level of 539.76 tons/ha/year in residential
areas, while primary dryland forests exhibit a very low erosion hazard level of 0.32 tons/ha/year. High to very high
erosion hazards were observed on lands with high erodibility values, particularly in residential areas with an erodibility
index of 0.57. The definition of erodibility is the ability of soil to be easily eroded or transported by an erosion agent,
namely water.The Meko Sub-Watershed is classified into four land criticality categories: non-critical 12,128.01 ha
(23%), potentially critical 5,500.74 ha (10%), somewhat critical 34,961.60 ha (66%), and critical 608.54 ha (1%), out
of a total area of 53,198.89 ha. In the context of land use planning, the analysis of erosion hazard levels and the spatial
distribution of critical lands can serve as a conceptual framework for conservation policies in the Meko Sub-Watershed
and the broader Poso Watershed. This is particularly relevant given the watersheds status as a priority area for conservation
and sustainable management.
Key Words: Watershed, degradation, conservation, critical land, erosion hazard level