Mangrove Ecosystem Management Strategy to Support Sustainable Development Goal 14

Abstract

Sustainable mangrove management plays a pivotal role in advancing various sustainable development goals (SDGs). These encompass poverty and hunger eradication, fostering livelihoods and economic growth, countering the impacts of climate change, and protecting biodiversity. To investigate this matter, our study employed participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and focus group discussion (FGD) techniques. The study engaged with local government officials, fishermen, farmers, non-governmental organizations, women leaders, community leaders, and the general public actively involved in mangrove forest regions. The purposive sampling method ensured a representative sample. A comprehensive analysis was conducted, integrating SWOT analysis and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The findings revealed several key strategies: promoting the development of the potential of economically and sustainably valuable mangrove ecosystems through environmentally friendly planting and harvesting; empowering communities through farmers, fishermen, and women’s groups to generate household-scale mangrove-based industries; providing all necessary facilities and infrastructure for mangrove ecotourism visitors; expanding the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in improving community awareness and knowledge on the management of mangroves; and providing training to increase the diversification of mangrove economic products.