**Abstract**

In a watershed, the Erosion Hazard Level (EHL) is usually associated with erosion rate and existing soil solum. In Lesti Sub-Watershed, erosion rate increases every year due to erosivity factor, erodibility, the length and slope, as well as crop factor and land conservation action. Analysis of erosion associated with population pressure has not been much discussed in the Lesti Sub-Watershed. This topic needs to be explored given that the erosion rate that affects sedimentation in the Sengguruh Reservoir, as an outlet of the Lesti Sub-Watershed, cannot be separated from the population activity therein. The population activity and the choice of use of land suppress the land so that it affects the carrying capacity of the watershed. Measuring land strength is usually based on the value of existing population pressure and its effect on vulnerability or erosion hazard level. This study seeks to assess the relationship between erosion hazard level and population pressure, as well as to determine the priority conservation areas in the Lesti Sub-watershed. The research approach uses a mixed method. The results shows that from 12 sub-districts in Lesti Sub-watershed there is 1 sub-district which has high population pressure as well as severe EHL. This sub-district is the most priority area for environmental conservation.

**Keywords:** watershed, erosion, population, land
