Optimal Mangrove Forest Management Based on Economic Value

Abstract

The activity of converting forest areas to non-forestry land uses has an impact on the decline in the function of forests as a buffer for sustainable development. The attempts to maintain the existence of forests need serious attention and need comprehensive, multi-sectoral handling, especially in the Mangrove Forest sector. The conversion of mangrove forest areas is caused by several factors, including community activities that convert forest areas into ponds. This study aimed to analyze the economic value of mangrove forests that are managed for tourism purposes and which have been converted into ponds and to analyze the economic value of mangrove forest management which is managed for the purpose of a combination of tourism ponds. The method used in this study was interview method with the community. The data obtained was then analyzed by using descriptive and quantitative analysis which was then calculated by using the method of calculating the total economic value (TEV). The results showed that there was a total economic value that was quite different between the two research locations, where in the mangrove forest area that had been converted into pond had a total economic value of 45,077,871/ha/year; while, in the mangrove forest area for tourism purposes, it had a total economic value of 45,077,871/ha/year. The total economic value is 85,381,115/ha/year. From the value of the two locations, the mangrove forest area for tourism purposes has a greater total economic value than the mangrove forest area that has been converted to pond due to some of the ecological functions of the mangrove forest that have been converted to pond land; while in the Mangrove forest area for tourism, it has added value in the form of economic value obtained from it. Therefore, to optimize the management of mangrove forests that have been converted into pond, a forest management scenario planning design is made with a combination between forest management method and the MMSSL management method (Mundur Selangkahuntuk Maju Sepuluh Langkah/ Step Back for Ten Steps Forward).