Effectiveness and impact studies of mangrove rehabilitation in the northern coast of West Java: A case study in Karawang Regency

Abstract

Plenty of mangrove rehabilitation programs have been implemented on the northern coast of Java, including in Karawang Regency, both by the community and private companies’ participation through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Over ten years, millions of mangrove plants have been planted. However, the results and impacts on the ecology and socio-economy have not been widely evaluated. An assessment and evaluation of the mangrove rehabilitation were carried out to determine the mangrove rehabilitation program’s results and effectiveness. This paper aims to determine rehabilitation’s condition and its impact on ecology and socio-economic surrounding the rehabilitation area. Mangrove rehabilitation activities at the northern coast of Karawang Regency have been provided new evidence that planting mangroves for rehabilitation purposes can not be seen as tree planting activities only. However, the impact and multiplier effects of its extraordinary benefits have not been paid much attention. Rehabilitation results have provided significant results, seen from the increase in the mangrove area, ecosystem quality, and positive impacts on ecology and significant socio-economic impacts indirect impacts, secondary impacts or cumulative impacts. It is necessary to develop and utilize rehabilitation results through a good socio-economic and institutional development approach to impact the community positively.