This study aimed to analyze the abiotic factors and morphological characteristics of mangrove vegetation in the Langsa Mangrove Forest area, Aceh. The research was conducted through direct field exploration using descriptive–quantitative methods, involving the observation of vegetative and generative organs of mangrove species and measurement of environmental parameters such as salinity, pH, temperature, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Morphological data were documented and identified using field guides, while abiotic parameters were measured in situ using standard instruments (pH meter, salinometer, DO meter, and thermometer). The results identified eleven mangrove species, including Rhizophora mucronata, R. Apiculata, R. Stylosa, Avicennia alba, Kandelia obovata, Ceriops tagal, Xylocarpus granatum, Acanthus ilicifolius, Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea, Acrostichum aureum, and Casuarina equisetifolia. Each exhibited distinctive morphological adaptations such as prop roots, pneumatophores, thick waxy leaves, and viviparous fruits that support survival in high-salinity and anaerobic conditions. The abiotic data showed an average salinity of 0.92% (≈8.82 ppt), water pH 6.68, soil pH 5.74, temperature 29.18 °C, and electrical conductivity 17.25 mS/cm—values within the optimal range for mangrove growth. These findings indicate that the Langsa mangrove ecosystem remains stable and ecologically healthy, supporting high species diversity. The study concludes that the interaction between abiotic conditions and plant morphology determines the ecological balance of the Langsa mangrove habitat, highlighting the importance of sustainable management and conservation of this coastal ecosystem. Keywords: abiotic factors, environmental parameters, Langsa Mangrove Forest, mangrove ecology, morphological adaptation

Mangroves are among the world’s most threatened ecosystems, with approximately 50% of the global mangrove area lost since 1900 and 35% lost in the past two decades. This study assessed the species composition and diversity of mangrove communities in southern Vietnam. Plant species were identified and measured using a plot method, with 10 m × 10 m plots established at three different sampling sites. A total of 15 plant species were recorded, including 13 true mangrove species and two associated species. Among these, Aegiceras floridum R. & Sch. is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, while Lumnitzera littorea is classified as Vulnerable in the Vietnam Red Data Book. In areas where L. littorea is dominant, diversity indices were low, with uneven species distribution across plots. The highest diversity was recorded on Con Dao Island, and the lowest on Phu Quoc Island. Our findings suggest that to conserve and protect high-diversity L. littorea communities, they should be planted together with Ceriops tagal or Rhizophora apiculata, given the high similarity coefficient (> 0.5) among these species.

Abstract. Hilmi E, Sanjayasari D, Pereira O, Hartoyo, Haryono FED, Cahyo TN, Amron A, Junaidi T, Fikriyya N, Yusof KMKK. 2025. Assessing mangrove density and distribution related to petroleum hydrocarbon contamination in Segara Anakan Lagoon, Cilacap, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 26: 6074-6088. Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPHs) are hazardous oil pollutant that has negative impact on mangrove ecosystem. In contaminated area, mangrove species might develop mechanism to reduce, accumulate, and transfer TPHs contaminants, yet this might affect their growth. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between TPHs with mangrove density and distribution based on the varying levels of TPHs in Segara Anakan Lagoon, Cilacap, Central Java, Indonesia. The research employed principal component analysis, utilizing the variables of water and soil TPHs, leaf TPHs, stem TPHs, root TPHs, number of species, species density, temperature, water salinity, pH, and TDS across seven research stations. The results showed that mangrove density ranged from 603-1295 trees ha-1 (low density). The potential TPHs were between 0.01-0.06% in water and 2.5-8.34% in sediment. The correlation between TPHs in water and the number of species was 0.844 (strong correlation), and with mangrove density was -0.083 (weak correlation). The correlation between TPHs in sediment and the number of species was 0.852 (strong correlation) and with density was -0.248 (weak correlation). The clustering analysis of mangrove stations revealed four clusters representing varying levels of contaminated areas. In addition, the clustering analysis of mangrove species revealed four groups representing different adaptation. This study found several dominant species which have high ability to live and grow in the TPHs contaminant areas including Sonneratia caseolaris, Ceriops tagal, Rhizophora apiculata, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Xylocarpus granatum, Avicennia marina, Rhizophora stylosa, and Rhizophora mucronata. Such species are recommended to support mangrove rehabilitation in TPHs contaminated areas.

Block printing is a technique of carving motifs on a printing plate coated with dye and pressed repeatedly along the fabric to create patterns. One potential natural dye that can be applied is the Soga tingi (Ceriops tagal). In today’s textiles and fashion industries, the use of natural materials is increasing in line with the growing awareness of a sustainability lifestyle. This study aims to develop Soga tingi dye into the optimal paste formula for block printing techniques with fixation, plate material, and suitable fabrics. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data from literature reviews, field observations, interviews, and laboratory experiments. The results reveal the successful formulation of a Soga tingi natural dye paste with an optimal composition. The most effective thickening agent was found to be sodium alginate, a food-grade thickener used in a ratio of 10 g to 100 ml of liquid natural dye, resulting in a viscosity of 21,135 mPas. Thus, the block-printed cotton fabric made with the Soga tingi natural dye paste can be used for fashion products.

Background: Mangrove plants are a core component of coastal ecosystems, directly influencing biodiversity and shoreline stability. However, in recent years, due to the combined pressures of human activities and climate change, nearly half of the mangrove species in China are endangered and require urgent conservation measures. This study analyzed the population dynamics and stress factors affecting four rare and endangered mangrove species—Lumnitzera racemosa, Ceriops tagal, Barringtonia racemosa, and Heritiera littoralis—on the Leizhou Peninsula, providing scientific evidence for their conservation. Methods: Field surveys and plot investigations were conducted, with population dynamics and structure quantified using static life tables, survival rates, mortality rates, and disappearance curves. Additionally, the MaxEnt species distribution model and GIS technology were applied to predict the potentially suitable distribution areas. Results: The findings revealed that the population of L. racemosa exhibits an atypical pyramid structure, with few seedlings and constraining population growth potential. The C. tagal population follows an irregular pyramid structure, with abundant seedlings but fewer mature individuals, suggesting a rapid decline followed by stability. The B. racemosa population also follows an irregular pyramid structure, with many seedlings and a greater proportion of middle-aged and older individuals, facing the risk of early mortality. The H. littoralis population is also in decline, with few seedlings and a severe risk of local extinction. MaxEnt model predictions indicated that temperature is the primary environmental factor, with Area Under the Curve (AUC) values for all species exceeding 0.8, indicating strong predictive ability. The predicted potential suitable areas showed an expanded distribution range compared to current distribution points, providing valuable references for species introduction and propagation. Conclusions: This study described the population structure of the four mangrove species on the Leizhou Peninsula and assessed their primary stress factors. The results provided a theoretical basis for the conservation and restoration of endangered mangrove species and offer important guidance for developing effective conservation strategies in southern China.

Mangrove ecosystems are unique coastal zones known to harbour a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, including microbial communities. These microorganisms play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and sustain the primary productivity driven by plants within this ecosystem. Recent advancements in microbial ecology research emphasise that microbial community structure and composition are critical for an ecosystem to thrive. Studies have focused on the microbial diversity within Indian mangrove forests; however, there is a limited understanding of the co-occurrence patterns and functional roles of microbial communities in these ecosystems. This study explores prokaryotic diversity, primarily focusing on community interactions across three major Indian mangrove forests: the Bhitarkanika mangrove forest in Odisha, the Goan mangroves, and the Sundarbans in West Bengal. By analysing the publicly available 16 S rRNA amplicon datasets of the Indian mangrove microbiomes and performing co-occurrence network analysis on these datasets, we identified positively correlated genera and their predicted functional roles. Furthermore, the findings revealed the co-occurrence of several pathogenic bacteria in two of the mangrove ecosystems. Overall, our study highlights the shared functional roles adopted by co-occurring microbes in three major Indian mangrove ecosystems and suggests the need for large-scale studies in these understudied Indian ecosystems.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-18055-1.

Association of IUCN-threatened Indian mangroves: A novel data-driven rule filtering approach for restoration strategy

Fiddler crabs (Ocypodidae: Crustacea: Arthropoda) are globally documented but relatively understudied along the Indian coastline. Austruca annulipes, common across Indian mangrove habitats, remains insufficiently explored in terms of female morphology. While male fiddler crabs are recognized for their prominent chelae, females of A. annulipes exhibit notable polymorphism. In this short-term study conducted in the mangroves of Sauta Vaddo (Baga), Goa, we documented 14 distinct female morphs, alongside observations of male moulting. The study highlights the scope for future research into the adaptive significance of female phenotypic variation in this species.

Rhizophora species are ecologically significant true mangroves with a broad tropical distribution. We examined the rhizospheric microbiomes of dominant Rhizophora species from two contrasting Indian mangrove ecosystems-Coringa and Pichavaram-using high-throughput metabarcoding. Soil properties differed significantly between sites: Pichavaram exhibited higher electrical conductivity (24.53 dS/m), organic carbon (1.70%), sodium (8811.86ppm), sodium adsorption ratio (220.15), and exchangeable sodium percentage (64.27%), while Coringa soils showed higher pH (8.01). Sequencing generated 1.31, 1.24, and 1.22 million high-quality reads for archaea, bacteria, and fungi, respectively. Taxonomic profiling revealed Nitrososphaeria (62.3-91.9%), Gammaproteobacteria (16.8-25.1%), and Sordariomycetes (18.6-27.8%) as dominant classes. Core taxa across both sites included Candidatus Nitrosopumilus, Woeseia, and Aspergillus. Alpha diversity indices (Chao1, Shannon, Simpson) indicated significantly higher bacterial richness and evenness in R. apiculata at Coringa (P < 0.001), while archaeal and fungal diversity showed no marked differences. Beta diversity analysis (PCoA, PERMANOVA) revealed distinct community compositions between Coringa and Pichavaram, with stronger segregation in archaeal and bacterial assemblages than in fungi. Differential abundance analysis identified nine archaeal, fifty-nine bacterial, and three fungal genera enriched between sites, with methanogens (Methanosarcina, Methanocella) predominant in Coringa and halophiles (Halococcus, Haloferax) in Pichavaram. Redundancy analysis showed sodium adsorption ratio as the key determinant of microbial assemblages, while electrical conductivity significantly shaped archaeal and fungal communities. These findings provide the first baseline dataset of the Coringa rhizospheric microbiome and new insights into the microbial ecology of Indian mangroves, with implications for ecosystem functioning, methane emissions, and conservation strategies.

The Paluh Getah Mangrove Beach in Tanjung Rejo Village is a highly potential mangrove ecotourism site for carbon sequestration. This study aimed to assess the biomass content, carbon sequestration level, and comparative CO₂ absorption in four mangrove leaf species (Avicennia marina, Excoecaria agallocha, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, and Ceriops tagal), as well as to analyze the effect of leaf thickness, width, and length on carbon uptake levels in Tanjung Rejo Village. Sampling was conducted at three stations determined using purposive sampling, each with three replications. Mangrove leaves were analyzed in the laboratory using the Walkley and Black method to determine carbon content. The results showed that Avicennia marina had the highest sequestration potential, followed by Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Ceriops tagal, and Excoecaria agallocha. Leaf length, width, and thickness measurements among the four species indicated variation in their CO₂ absorption capacity.

Climate change and anthropogenic pressures threaten mangrove ecosystems, including in Pangpang Bay, Alas Purwo National Park. This study aims to analyze the mangrove vegetation profile in Kucur Resort, covering species diversity, density, zonation, and environmental parameters. The line transect plot method was applied across four stations (Mangrove Trail, Gendoh, Curah Wuluh, Pletesan), measuring vegetation structure (seedlings, saplings, trees), importance value index (IVI), and temperature, salinity, and pH. Results identified 11 true mangrove species from 7 families, dominated by Rhizophoraceae. Species such as Sonneratia alba, Rhizophora apiculata, and Ceriops tagal were widely distributed, while Bruguiera sexangula was only found in Gendoh. The highest density occurred in Mangrove Trail (2,554 trees/ha), with moderate Shannon-Wiener diversity (H'=1.57) and low evenness (E'=0.26–0.32). Classic zonation patterns were observed in three stations, driven by salinity and substrate gradients. These findings highlight the need for ecology-based conservation for sustainable management.

Abstract. Dharmayasa IGNP, Sugiana IP, Anantanasakul P. 2025. Mangrove species distribution across soil texture gradients in Benoa Bay and Nusa Lembongan, Bali Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 26: 2908-2915. This study unveils the crucial role of mangrove ecosystems in enhancing coastal resilience and mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration and shoreline stabilization. This study identifies strong relationships between soil particle composition (sand, silt, clay, and gravel) and the distribution of mangrove species across five genera-dominated zones (Rhizophora, Sonneratia, Avicennia, Bruguiera, and Ceriops) in Bali, Indonesia. By establishing 20 plots at two sites, Benoa Bay and Nusa Lembongan, and quantitatively measuring stand structure (tree and sapling density, diameter, canopy cover, and Mangrove Health Index (MHI) and soil parameters (texture, pH, water content, bulk density, and total organic matter), this study revealed that Ceriops tagal dominates soils with 35-45% silt and clay content; Bruguiera gymnorrhiza thrives in sandy soils exceeding 60% sand; and Sonneratia alba is associated with substrates containing over 20% gravel. Principal component analysis and Pearson correlation reveal significant negative effects of gravel on canopy cover (r: -0.73, p&lt;0.01) and MHI (r: -0.74, p&lt;0.01), and a positive correlation between sand content and sapling density (r: 0.56, p&lt;0.01). These findings not only underscore the critical role of soil texture in mangrove distribution and forest health but also emphasize the need to consider edaphic conditions in restoration and conservation strategies. This knowledge is vital for enhancing ecosystem sustainability and biodiversity.

Mangrove forests offer a wide range of ecosystem services, including coastal protection and climate regulation. These ecosystems serve as significant carbon sinks, effectively sequestering and storing carbon in their biomass and sediments. However, various human activities have an impact on carbon stocks in mangroves. The current study quantifies the carbon stored in mangrove forests of the Mtoni estuary in Dar es Salaam and the Kisiju estuary in Pwani, Tanzania, from 40 random sampling plots. Seven species of mangroves Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh (Acanthaceae), Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lam. (Rhizophoraceae), Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C. B. Rob, Heritiera littoralis Dryand. (Malvaceae), Xylocarpus granatum Koen. (Meliaceae), Sonneratia alba J. Smith (Lythraceae), and Rhizophora mucronata Lam were identified. Allometric models were used to estimate aboveground carbon (AGC) and belowground carbon (BGC). An organic elemental analyser determined the organic carbon content in the sediments, followed by calculations using a specific equation for soil organic carbon (SOC) content. Analysis revealed that the mean total carbon stock density in the Mtoni estuary is 334.7 ± 37.88 t/ha, which is equivalent to 1228 t CO2 ha. In contrast, Kisiju stored 345.6 ± 31.7 t/ha, which is equivalent to 1268 t CO2 ha. AGC averages 36.81 ± 7.06 t/ha in Mtoni and 70.65 ± 8.83 t/ha in Kisiju, whereas BGC averages 6.52 ± 1.23 t/ha and 16.61 ± 1.71 t/ha, respectively. The SOC density is greater in Mtoni at 291.45 ± 29.59 t/ha than that in Kisiju at 258.45 ± 21.16 t/ha, constituting 82% of the total carbon pool. The capacity of carbon storage in these mangrove ecosystems highlights their role in mitigating climate change. Nonetheless, fluctuations in carbon stores can be attributed to factors such as conservation status, deforestation rates, salinity, sediment deposition, ecosystem productivity, human disturbances, and urban pollution. The findings highlight the need for further conservation measures to enhance carbon storage and address climate change, offering critical information to policymakers.

This study presents the first comprehensive nationwide assessment of mangrove ecosystems in the Maldives. Surveys were conducted across 162 islands in 20 administrative atolls, integrating field data, the literature, and secondary sources to map mangrove distribution, confirm species presence, and classify habitat types. Twelve true mangrove species were identified, with Bruguiera cylindrica, Rhizophora mucronata, and Lumnitzera racemosa emerging as dominant. Species diversity was evaluated using Shannon (H′), Margalef (d′), Pielou’s evenness (J′), and Simpson’s dominance (λ′) indices. Atolls within the northern and southern regions, particularly Laamu, Noonu, and Shaviyani, exhibited the highest diversity and evenness, while central atolls such as Ari and Faafu supported mono-specific or degraded stands. Mangrove habitats were classified into four geomorphological types: marsh based, pond based, embayment, and fringing systems. Field sampling was conducted using standardized belt transects and quadrats, with species verified using photographic documentation and expert validation. Species distributions showed strong habitat associations, with B. cylindrica dominant in marshes, R. mucronata and B. gymnorrhiza in ponds, and Ceriops tagal and L. racemosa in embayments. Rare species like Bruguiera hainesii and Heritiera littoralis were confined to stable hydrological niches. This study establishes a critical, island-level baseline for mangrove conservation and ecosystem-based planning in the Maldives, providing a reference point for tracking future responses to climate change, sea-level rise, and hydrological disturbances, emphasizing the need for habitat-specific strategies to protect biodiversity.

Mangrove adalah jenis tumbuhan yang ditemukan pada komunitas vegetasi pantai tropis, memiliki potensi manfaat yang besar dan luas bagi kestabilan suatu ekosistem pesisir. Secara umum, di suatu kawasan ekosistem mangrove terdapat 2 (dua) jenis tumbuhan mangrove, yaitu mangrove sejati dan mangrove ikutan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui tentang jenis-jenis tumbuhan mangrove dan kondisi lingkungan di kawasan ekowisata mangrove Kolam Susuk, Kabupaten Belu. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode Purpossive Sampling, yaitu penentuan stasiun dengan melihat pada zona pasang surut dan substrat tumbuhnya tumbuhan mangrove. Pengambilan data pada 3 (tiga) stasiun pengamatan, yaitu Stasiun 1 (S1), Stasiun 2 (S2) dan Stasiun 3 (S3). Metode pengambilan data menggunakan metode jelajah. Data yang diambil, yaitu data jenis-jenis tumbuhan mangrove, data parameter abiotik dan data parameter biotik. Data yang telah dikumpulkan dianalisis secara deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa di kawasan ekowisata mangrove Kolam Susuk, Kabupaten Belu ditemukan sebanyak 23 jenis tumbuhan mangrove yang terdiri dari 17 jenis mangrove sejati dan 6 jenis mangrove ikutan. Jenis-jenis tumbuhan magrove sejati yaitu Acanthus embracteatus, Aegiceras floridum, Avicennia alba, Avicennia officinallis, Bruguiera cylindrica, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Bruguiera parviflora, Bruguiera sexangula, Ceriops tagal, Excoecaria agallocha, Laguncularia racemosa, Lumnitzera racemosa, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mangle, Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora stylosa, dan Sonneratia alba. Sedangkan jenis-jenis tumbuhan mangrove ikutan, yaitu Celtis tenuifolia, Opuntia rastrera, Pandanus odorattisima, Pandanus tectorius, Pisticia vera, dan Vitex trifolia. Kondisi lingkungan, yaitu suhu udara berkisar antara 29?C-34?C, suhu air berkisar antara 28,5?C-32?C, substrat berpasir, dan berlumpur, salinitas berkisar antara 0,97 ?/oo-3,73 ?/oo, pH berkisar antara 6,95-7,23, konduktivitas berkisar antara 17,3 ?s/cm-84,4 ?s/cm, dan TDS berkisar antara 15,3ppm-93,6ppm. Nilai kisaran parameter kualitas lingkungan dan perairan ini, jika dikaitkan dengan kisaran kualitas air ideal bagi pertumbuhan dan kelangsungan hidup tumbuhan mangrove atau biota laut, maka berada dalam kondisi yang ideal atau masih dapat ditorelir bagi pertumbuhan dan kelangsungan hidup.

Abstract. Hilmi E, Wintarti F, Effendi M, Sastranegara MH, Rahab, Prayogo NA, Junaidi T, Hendrayana, Cahyo TN, Dewi R. 2025. Assessing the potential of alternative energy from mangrove species in Segara Anakan, Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 26: 2832-2842. Mangroves have the potential to be developed for alternative energy to support the utilization of non-renewable energy because mangrove species have high carbon content, high caloric value, and high bulk density. This research aimed to analyze the potential of mangrove species as alternative energy resource to reduce non-renewable energy using the analysis of carbon percentage, caloric value, and fuel fumes. This research used destructive approach and laboratory analysis to analyze energy properties of mangrove species in Segara Anakan, Cilacap District, Central Java, Indonesia. The energy properties included percentage of fixed carbon (%), percentage of charcoal (%), wood density (gr/cm3), fuel fumes (ppm), total Sulphur (%), caloric energy value (cal/gr) and class of energy using SNI (Indonesian National Standards) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) systems. This study also analyzed relationship between carbon percentage and energy properties. Mangroves in Segara Anakan contained biomass between 341.90-493.93 ton/ha with carbon percentage between 50.8-63.2% (average 59.1%), fuel fumes between 512.3-640.0 ppm (average 589.0 ppm) and caloric energy value between 6235-7230 cal/gr (average 6796.3 cal/gr). Lanscape scale analysis revealed that Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, and Ceriops tagal had the highest potential to produce alternative energy as a substitute for non-renewable energy. These species are recommended for mangrove rehabilitation and reforestation if aiming to generate renewable energy resource.

Kerapatan mangrove dapat mempengaruhi struktur komunitas biota yang hidup di dalamnya. Kepadatan gastropoda memiliki hubungan yang sangat erat dengan kerapatan mangrove. Semakin tinggi kerapatan mangrove, maka semakin tinggi pula kepadatan gastropoda yang hidup. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui komposisi jenis mangrove dan gastropoda, menentukan kerapatan mangrove dan kepadatan gastropoda hutan mangrove serta menentukan hubunga kerapatan mangrove dengan kepadatan gastropoda di Pulau Donrotu Desa Sidangoli Dehe Kecamatan Jilolo Selatan. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan Nopember-Desember 2024 di Pulau Donrotu Desa Sidangoli Dehe Kecamatan Jailolo Selatan Kabupaten Halmahera Barat. Pengamatan jenis mangrove dan gastrpoda dilakukan secara bersaman pada saat air surut menggunakan metode garis transek yang ditarik secara horizontal sebanyak 3 buah berdasarkan zonasi mangrove (depan, tengah, belakang) dengan panjang masing-masing lintasan 50 m dan setiap lintasan ditempatkan 10 buah plot berukuran 10 x 10 m. Hasil penelitian diperoleh Komposisi jenis mangrove yang diperoleh sebanyak 7 jenis (Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora stylosa, Ceriops decandra, Ceriops tagal, Sonneratia alba, Xylocarpus granatum, Scyphiphora hydrophylacea). Komposisi jenis gastropoda sebanyak 13 jenis (Terebralia palustris, Terebralia sulcata, Turbo intercostalis, Turbo breneus, Nerita squamulata, Nerita nigrita, Littoraria scabra, Littoraria glabrata, Monodonta, Mitra paupercula, Mitra coronata, Chicoreus capucinus). Kerapatan jenis mangrove tertinggi pada jenis Rhizophora stylosa dan terendah pada jenis Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea. Kepadatan jenis gastropoda tertinggi terdapat pada jenis Littoraria scabra dan terendah pada jenis Nerita squamulata. Kerapatan mangrove memiliki hubungan positif yang sangat kuat dengan kepadatan gastropoda. Kata kunci: Gastropoda, Hutan mangrove, Kerapatan, Kepadatan, Korelasi, Pulau Donrotu

The aim of this study was to assess the horizontal structure and floristic composition of the mangrove forest on Vamizi Island, located in the Quirimbas Archipelago, in Cabo Delgado Province, northern Mozambique. To this end, dendrometric data were collected to evaluate species richness, floristic composition, phytosociological parameters, diameter structure, conservation status, and natural regeneration of the forest's species. A total of 865 adult trees were identified and recorded, belonging to four botanical families, six genera, and six species, with Ceriops tagal (1406 trees per hectare), Bruguiera gymnorhiza (773 trees per hectare), and Rhizophora mucronata (273 trees per hectare) being the most abundant. The forest showed a density of 2621 trees per hectare and a total basal area of 26 square metres per hectare. The diameter class distribution followed a reverse J-shaped pattern, which is typical of natural forests. The Vamizi forest is in good conservation condition, although signs of cutting were observed in some areas.

Diaporlabanoids A-C (1-3, respectively), three highly modified dinorlabdane diterpene alkaloids featuring an unprecedented succinimide-containing 6/6/6/5/5-fused pentacyclic skeleton, were obtained from endophytic fungus Diaporthe phaseolorum H3-2 isolated from the Chinese mangrove Ceriops tagal. Their structures, including absolute configurations, were elucidated via spectroscopic data, X-ray crystallography, GIAO 13C NMR (DP4+), and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Notably, 1 exhibited fascinating immunosuppressive activity via the inhibition of the CaN/NFAT and PKCθ/NFκB signal transduction pathways.

Mangrove ecosystems play an integral role in coastal communities. They are crucial in mitigating climate change, supporting coastal ecosystems, and providing habitat for marine fauna, making them both ecologically and economically significant. The Regional Integrated Coastal Resource Management Center XI (RIC-XI) of the Davao Oriental State University, in collaboration with Mama Earth Foundation, Inc., Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the local government unit, has spearheaded the Community-based Mangrove Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project in Pujada Bay. This initiative aims to restore mangroves through reforestation while also providing livelihoods for Indigenous people and members of non-governmental organizations like the Women’s Association of the City of Mati. The Mangrove Park, initiated by the Mama Earth Foundation, Inc., is a reforestation project that encourages active community participation in planning and implementing mangrove rehabilitation and development. The project goal is to plant 1,084,000 local species of mangrove present in their sites like Rhizophora stylosa, R. mucronata, R. apiculata, Avicennia marina, A. officinalis, Ceriops tagal, Sonneratia alba, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza seedlings within coastal barangays of the City of Mati. Approximately 380-400 women participated in the Women’s Association of nine coastal barangays. About 854,500 mangrove seedlings were planted as reported in 2023. Results indicated widespread recognition among the women’s stakeholders and other local people of the social and economic benefits of the reforestation and enhancement of the mangrove park. Keywords: Mangrove Ecosystems, Mangrove Species, Reforestation, Community Participation, Coastal Protection