Mangrove cover change (2005–2019) in the Northern of Medan City, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Medan City is the third-largest city in Indonesia and serves as the capital of North Sumatra Province. The city has several sub-districts with mangrove forests, with the largest area located in Medan Belawan Sub-district, followed by Medan Labuhan and Medan Marelan Sub-districts. The mangrove forests are situated in the downstream part of the Deli Watershed or the northern part of Medan City. Over the past fourteen years, there has been a significant change in the mangrove land cover, particularly in Medan Labuhan Sub-district. To address this issue, an integrated remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Analytical Process Hierarchy (AHP) approach was used to map and analyze changes in mangrove cover and determine priority factors to prevent further changes. The study found that the mangrove forest area in Medan Labuhan Sub-district has decreased by 111.25 ha over the years, and the economy was identified as the top priority criterion for preventing changes in mangrove cover. The study recommends efforts from all parties to minimize changes in mangrove forest cover to maintain the function of the mangrove ecosystem, and this approach can help decision-makers and stakeholders make informed decisions about mangrove ecosystem management and conservation in Medan City.