Mangrove Ecosystem Suitability for Ecotourism Management Recommendation in Iboih Village – Sabang

Abstract

Iboih is one of the villages located in the western area of Weh Island which has been popular as the marine tourism potential. The mangrove ecotourism potential has not been well developed. This study aims to review the mangrove ecosystem suitability as ecotourism area in Iboih Village – Sabang. The methodology used was an explorative survey method. The method of potential suitability determination was scoring and weighting achieved from each parameter reviewed consisting of mangrove density, mangrove species, tidal, biota object, area characteristics, and accessibility. The output of the study found 3 (three) mangrove species including Rhizhophora mucronata, Rhizhophora apiculata, and Avicennia alba. There are supporting biota objects consisting of aquatic dan land fauna. Based on the matrix of potential suitability for mangrove ecotourism, it was found that the tourism suitability index (TSI) as 82.14% indicating that the mangrove ecosystem in Iboih is very suitable for ecotourism area. The benefit of the study is to provide a contribution to science and become the facilities for environmental education and conservation to the community.