Kabonga Besar mangrove ecosystem health status, Donggala, Indonesia – an analysis of viability versus threats

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystem functions mainly to provide habitat for thousands of marine species, prevent erosion and stabilize shore-line. Based on that, this research aims to determine the health status of the mangrove ecosystem located at Kabonga Besar, Donggala, Indonesia, by assessing its viability and threat level. This research was critically important as the mangrove ecosystem is being designated by the Government of Indonesia as a site for recreational use. The method used was qualitative research applying a series of focus group discussions involving interviews and observation. Data collection processes involved observing the ecosystem condition, interviewing key stakeholders, and studying relevant documents. The obtained data, i.e., Key Ecological Attribute covering the aspect of Landscape Context, Condition, and Size, and Threat data were analyzed using The Conservancy’s Framework for Viability and Threats. Viability and Threats were analyzed using the Software Application of CAP v6b. The results show that the viability of the mangrove ecosystem was good, but the threat level was high. To improve the ecosystem, as part of the coastal management, the health status of the site should be enhanced by increasing its viability or decreasing its threat level.