Conservation Of Mangrove Ecosystems Research Articles

The Impact of Mangrove Forest Management on the Community in Poton Bako Hamlet, Jerowaru Village, East Lombok Regency

This research aims to: determine Mangrove Forest Management Patterns and the Impact on the Community in Poton Bako Hamlet, Jerowaru Village, East Lombok Regency. This research applies a qualitative approach with a case study method. The data collection techniques applied in this research are interviews, observation and documentation. The data analysis techniques in this research are data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The results of the research explain that (1) Mangrove Forest Conservation Pattern in Poton Hamlet, Jerowarau Village, namely the Mangrove Ecotourism Development Pattern (managers together with the community clean the mangrove forest from rubbish that has accumulated in the mangrove forest area to be developed into mangrove tourism), Mangrove Ecosystem Rehabilitation Pattern (manager creating a small-scale nursery area to create a stock of mangrove seeds for replanting), Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation Pattern (the management forms Pokmaswas members with the aim of acting as supervisors to prevent illegal felling of mangrove trees). (2) The impact of managing the mangrove forest for the community in Poton Bako hamlet is a positive impact (creating new jobs for the people of Poton Bako hamlet; increasing the economic income of the community by managing the mangrove forest into a tourist spot and a place to sell SME products such as mangrove coffee, mini-boats/ boats and clothes typical of Bale Mangrove tourism; catches of Poton Bako hamlet fishermen have increased and if the weather is not conducive to going to sea, fishing communities can look for shrimp, fish and crabs in the mangrove forest area; the community has received education and increased public awareness to protect the mangrove forest area. ; the coastal area of Poton Bako hamlet is protected from abrasion and prevents sea water intrusion onto land

A review on the biodiversity and conservation of mangrove ecosystems in Indonesia

A review on the biodiversity and conservation of mangrove ecosystems in Indonesia

Strategies for improving community participation in Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation in Teluk Kupang Coastal Areas (A case study of Nunkurus and Oeteta Villages)

The purpose of this research is to investigate the factors that influence the level of participation of coastal communities in the preservation of the mangrove ecosystem and to develop strategies to increase their involvement. Qualitative descriptive analysis was conducted using observation and direct observation of community behavior in the field to determine community participation and the factors affecting it. The SWOT method was also used to identify appropriate strategies for increasing community participation. The research found that income, education, and length of residence in the coastal area were the factors that influenced community participation. The level of participation varied between the two locations, with Nunkurus village exhibiting passive participation and Oeteta village showing self-mobilization participation. Based on the SWOT analysis, various strategies were identified to enhance community participation in Teluk Kupang, including increasing awareness and education on the importance of the mangrove ecosystem, providing economic incentives for community members to engage in sustainable activities, establishing a community-based management system for the mangrove forest, encouraging participation in regular monitoring and evaluation of the mangrove ecosystem, and forming partnerships between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. By adopting these strategies, the participation of the coastal community in preserving the mangrove ecosystem can be improved and the conservation efforts will become more effective.

Saving the overlooked mangrove horseshoe crabs-A perspective from enhancing mangrove ecosystem conservation

Despite being widely distributed in Asia, Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda is often overlooked and, its population status remains unclear. Moreover, it is threatened by illegal harvesting and degradation of mangrove ecosystems. Protecting its habitat is essential for population and biodiversity conservation, as mangroves provide nursery grounds and food supply for C. rotundicauda. This review discusses the biological characteristics of C. rotundicauda, including ecology, nutrition, life history, toxicology, and immunology. It also presents information about its distribution and population status. The review emphasizes the challenges faced by C. rotundicauda and proposes a conservation framework that involves the participation of local residents to facilitate conservation efforts. Collaboration between local residents and communities is proposed to protect and monitor the mangrove ecosystem. Additionally, this framework can support field research, protect C. rotundicauda juveniles and other species, and ensure the livelihood of local residents through participation in carbon trading markets and eco-industries such as eco-farming and eco-tourism.

Carrying capacity of mangrove ecotourism area in Pantai Indah Kapuk, North Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract. Ewaldo K, Karuniasa M, Takarina ND. 2023. Carrying capacity of mangrove ecotourism area in Pantai Indah Kapuk, North Jakarta, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 5809-5820. Mangroves are crucial in providing various ecological and economic benefits to local communities. This study focuses on the economic aspect of mangroves by analyzing their potential as a tourist attraction in the Mangrove Ecotourism, Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK). The objective of this study is to analyze the carrying capacity of the mangroves as a tourist attraction to ensure sustainable tourism development. The study was conducted in the Mangrove Ecotourism area, Pantai Indah Kapuk, from January to March 2023, utilizing a quantitative approach. The carrying capacity of the mangrove ecosystem was assessed using the Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC), Real Carrying Capacity (RCC), and Effective Carrying Capacity (ECC) methods. The calculated values for PCC, RCC, and ECC were 107, 16, and 313 visitors/day, respectively. The analysis revealed that the number of visitors at the PIK Mangrove Ecotourism in 2022 had exceeded the PCC and RCC limits, indicating potential ecological impacts. However, the number of visitors had remained within the ECC limits, suggesting that with proper management, the site could accommodate the current visitor levels sustainably. To achieve long-term sustainability, several initiatives are recommended, such as creating zoning in tourist areas to distribute visitor pressure, increasing the number of field officers to monitor the site, and implementing an online ordering system to manage visitor flow efficiently. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of the carrying capacity concept in ecotourism and provide valuable insights for the management and conservation of mangrove ecosystems as tourist attractions.

Analysis of mangrove dynamics and its protection effect in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Coastal Area based on the Google Earth Engine platform

Mangroves are rapidly disappearing in several places of the world, and mangrove dynamics are becoming important evidence of ecological restoration and protection along the coast. Mangrove populations in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Coastal Area (GCA) have experienced a substantial impact of anthropogenic pressure in the 20th century. Monitoring its spatio-temporal variation and protection effect has been regarded as an important task in coastal management. In this study, we provided the comprehensive assessment of mangrove dynamics in the GCA and typical sites from 1988 to 2020 at eight-year intervals. At this time interval, mangrove ecosystems changed significantly as a result of global warming and human impacts. The geographical distribution of mangroves was obtained by applying the Random Forest (RF) classifier on Landsat images with a 30 m spatial resolution on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, based on relevant indices such as Normalized Difference Mangrove Index (NDMI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Suspended Sediment Index (NDSSI), Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) and Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI). Quantitative evaluation indicated that overall accuracy of over 88% was achieved with RF classifier for mangrove extraction. In the GCA, mangrove area was 95.4 km2 in 1988, dropped to 71.4 km2 in 1996, then expanded to 127.5 km2 in 2020, with an overall dynamic rate of 1.02%. In typical sites, mangroves show a similar trend to the overall area. The subsequent mangrove growth is attributed to reserve establishment, accompanied by the expansion of replanted mangrove areas. In the GCA, provincial-level and county-level reserves show a high rate of mangrove dynamic, while national-level reserves display a low rate of mangrove dynamic. The dynamic rate in reserves of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is higher than other parts of the GCA, indicating that the effect of mangrove protection is better in the GBA. The results of this study will provide scientific foundations for the sustainable management and conservation of mangrove ecosystem, the quantification of ecosystem services (such as coastal protection and carbon storage), as well as the formulation of strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Optimizing the spatial distribution of Southeast Asia mangrove restoration based on zonation, species and carbon projection schemes

Mangroves contain large amounts of carbon that can reduce the effects of global climate change, which is termed as blue carbon and noted as an important ecosystem service. However, mangrove ecosystems have experienced a huge decline due to human activities and any rehabilitation and restoration efforts should be undertaken with careful planning to optimise their ecosystem service provision and to improve the success of these programs. The main objective of this study was to model a scenario specific to Southeast Asian mangrove distribution based on zonation, species, and coastal morphology, as well as the estimation of future aboveground biomass carbon content resulting from multiple scenarios of successful mangrove growth. This study provides the first assessment of the differences in the distribution of carbon content in a range of native mangrove species, as well as the relationship between the number of propagules, carbon content, mangrove species, and the percentage of living mangroves. The potential location for mangrove planting was dominated by zone 4 inundated by spring high tides, with a suitable area of 4,081,325 ha the next largest area was zone 2, inundated by medium high tides, with a potential area of 2,080,475 ha, followed by zone 3, inundated by normal high tides, with an area of 1,685,800 ha. This study is expected to serve as a reference for mangrove ecosystem conservation and optimisation of carbon storage, especially in Southeast Asia.

The Tangible and Intangible Benefits of Mangrove Forests as a Factor Affecting Community Participation in Mangrove Management

Community participation has been identified as a key factor in ensuring the long-term sustainability and effective governance of these valuable ecosystems. The three pillars of sustainable protected area management are forms of ecological, social and economic management that enhance the function of protected areas and can support human life. Mangrove forests play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, providing numerous ecological, economic, and socio-cultural benefits to local communities. Understanding the diverse range of tangible and intangible benefits associated with mangrove forests is essential for comprehending the motivations and incentives that encourage community engagement in their conservation and sustainable management. The review highlights the complex interplay between tangible and intangible benefits and their influence on community participation in mangrove management. The review underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing both types of benefits, as they are intertwined and shape the attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making processes of local communities. Interdisciplinary studies that incorporate ecological, economic, social, and cultural dimensions is needed to comprehensively understand the multifaceted benefits of mangrove forests and their role in driving community participation in mangrove management. Such insights can inform policy and management strategies that promote sustainable development and effective conservation of mangrove ecosystems, ultimately contribute to the well-being of both coastal communities and the environment.

MANGROVE SIMULATION: ATTENUATION OF STORM SURGES IN PROTECTING COASTAL AREA AND GEOSPATIAL SIMULATION MODEL OF MANGROVE FOREST IN PALSABANGON MANGROVE SWAMP FOREST RESERVE PAGBILAO, QUEZON

The objective of this research is to designed and developed a system known as Mangrove Simulation: Attenuation of Storm Surges in Protecting Coastal Area and Geospatial Simulation Model of Mangrove Forest in Palsabangon Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve Pagbilao, Quezon. The system incorporates various functionalities including web-based application and geographical information system for administrator and staff of Palsabangon Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve. To utilize the Agent-Based model that simulate and predict the growth and spatial distribution of various mangrove species with regards to the environment. To evaluate of the accuracy of the algorithm in mangrove simulation with geographic information system mapping aims to improve they understanding of the ecological dynamics and spatial patterns of mangroves, and provide useful information for the management and conservation of mangrove ecosystems. The system underwent a comprehensive testing process to assess its functionality, suitability, reliability, performance efficiency, operability, security, compatibility, and maintainability. The results revealed that the system achieved an overall mean score of 4.09, indicating a "Very Satisfactory" rating. This signifies that both experts and clients were very satisfied with the system's characteristics. Moreover, it passed on the standard rating level of ISO/IEC 25010. This remark indicates that the system performed effectively and achieved its goals.

Drivers of the spatiotemporal patterns of the mangrove crab metacommunity in a tropical bay.

Revealing community patterns and driving forces is essential in community ecology and a prerequisite for effective management and conservation efforts. However, the mangrove ecosystem and its important fauna group such as the crabs, still lack multi-processes research under metacommunity framework, resulting in evidence and theorical application gaps. To fill these gaps, we selected China's most representative mangrove bay reserve in tropical zone as a stable experimental system and conducted a seasonal investigation (July 2020, October 2020, January 2021, and April 2021) of mangrove crabs. We performed a multi-approach analysis using both pattern-based and mechanistic method to distinguish the processes driving the mangrove crab metacommunity. Our results showed that the crab metacommunity exhibits a Clementsian pattern in the bay-wide mangrove ecosystem but is influenced by both local environmental heterogeneity and spatial processes, thus representing a combined paradigm of species sorting and mass effect. Moreover, the long-distance spatial constraints are more pronounced compared to the local environmental factors. This is reflected in the greater importance of the broad-scale Moran's Eigenvector Maps, the distance-decay pattern of similarity, and the difference in beta diversity dominated by the turnover component. This pattern changes throughout the year, mainly due to changes in dominant functional groups caused by the stress of changes in water salinity and temperature induced by air temperature and precipitation. This research provides multi-dimension research data and relevant analysis, offering clear evidence for understanding the patterns and related driving forces of crab metacommunity in tropical bay mangroves, and verifies the applicability of some general laws in the system. Future studies can address more diverse spatiotemporal scales, gaining a clearer understanding to serve the conservation of mangrove ecosystems and economically important fishery species.

Evidence of Successful Mangrove Conservation Avicennia marina viewing from Bivalvian Diversity in Central Lombok

Administratively, the coastal area of Central Lombok Regency is included in the mangrove conservation program which is currently in the process of rehabilitation. Shellfish as one of the associated biota that live in the mangrove ecosystem. This study aims to analyze the diversity (H'), uniformity (E), dominance (D), and abundance (R) of associated biota in the mangrove ecosystem conservation area on the south coast of Central Lombok Regency. Data analysis consisted of determining sampling stations, processing mangrove vegetation data, processing bivalve data, and environmental parameters. The results showed that there were nine types of mangroves, 15 types of bivalves were found. The highest density of mangroves in Dondon was Avicennia marina (84.16%) and the highest relative frequency of mangrove species (66.67%). The lowest mangrove density in Gili Perigi was Rhizophora stylosa (3.1%) and the lowest relative species frequency (6.67%). Furthermore, the highest relative frequency in Tanjung Batutiang is Avicennia marina (30.00%) and the lowest is Avicennia lanata (3.33). While the highest relative frequency in Gili Perigi was Avicennia marina (50.00%) and the lowest was Rhizopora stylosa (6.67%). The highest value of the dominance index on the Dondon Coast was 0.84 and was classified as low, meaning that no species dominated. In conclusion, the Indonesian government has initiated many mangrove Rehabilitation programs through replanting, especially on Lombok Island. This study shows that members of the genus Avicennia marina have the potential to increase the growth and stability of mangrove ecosystems on the south coast of Central Lombok.

What is the ecological footprint of aquaculture after 5 decades of competition between mangrove conservation and shrimp farm development?

Abstract Among the several threats to the conservation of mangrove ecosystems in most South Asian countries, shrimp farming is predominant. Since the introduction of shrimp farming in Sri Lanka in the 1980s, mangroves on the island’s north‐western coast have been continually cleared to create new shrimp farms, leading to a decline in the social‐ecological services provided by the mangrove ecosystems. Using aerial (1973) and satellite (1996–2020) images, this study assessed areal changes in mangroves and shrimp farms in the Pambala‐Chilaw lagoon complex and Ihala Mahawewa, as well as the ecological footprint of shrimp farming in the study area. Mangroves around the Chilaw lagoon had decreased in areal extent by 45% from 1973 to 2020 of which 92% of this change was attributed to shrimp farming. There was, however, a decrease in the areal extent of shrimp farms from 2001 to 2020, and a corresponding increase in mangroves from 2006 to 2020. The ecological footprint of shrimp farming was assessed by comparing the expected surface ratios with those recorded for shrimp farms with mangroves and surface water bodies in the study area from 1973 to 2020. The results showed that the current shrimp farming was unsustainable (i.e. high ecological footprint). While the results support the current view that there is cause for cautious optimism with mangrove conservation (as evidenced by an increase in mangrove areal extent), it also reveals that semi‐intensive shrimp farming in Sri Lanka and probably other similar tropical countries is unsustainable. If immediate actions such as effective regulation of shrimp farming activities and mangrove restoration are not taken, the mangrove ecosystem will continue to decline.

Sustainability level of Silvofishery ponds on the coast of Semarang City

Silvofishery ponds are aquaculture areas while maintaining their ecological functions as conservation of mangrove ecosystems. Coastal community of Semarang City is one of those that cultivate it, and the main commodity is milkfish (Chanos chanos). This research was carried out on five dimensions; ecology dimension, economic dimension, social dimension, technological dimension, and ethics dimension using the RAPFISH (Rapid Appraisal for Fisheries) analysis method. Types of ponds developed in the design of komplangan. The level of sustainability of the silvofishery ponds management is 43.02%, with less sustainable categories in different indexes and dimensions, namely: The ecological dimension 32.02% (less sustainable), economic dimension 45.63% (less sustainable), social dimension 50.61% (entirely sustainable), technological dimension 49.77% (less sustainable), and ethics dimension 36.06% (less sustainable). The results of the leverage analysis on each dimension indicate the need to improve the management of sensitive attributes in each dimension. Sensitive indicators in Silvofishery ponds management are ecological dimension (mangrove density), dimension (market orientation), social dimension (access to use by the community), technological dimension (air circulation), ethics dimension (non-formal institutions). All measurements have a Monte Carlo value that difference is <1; therefore, the results of the Silvofishery ponds management are following the real conditions in the field.

Alternative green livelihood initiatives: an effective way to achieve the sustainable development goals at disaster vulnerable, Indian Sundarbans

Indian Sundarban is the part of world’s largest contiguous mangrove forest, delta and home to around 4.6 million people. Climate change induced natural disasters are rampant along its coasts destabilizing lives and livelihood in the region. Green alternative livelihood schemes addresses the Sustainability Development Goals (SDG), namely SDG-1 (No poverty), SDG-2 (Zero hunger), SDG- 8 (Descent work and economic growth), SDG-10 (Reduced inequalities) and it indirectly impart conservation of mangrove ecosystems (world’s largest blue carbon sink) by reducing nature exploitive livelihood options (SDG- 13, Climate action). A project implemented at Indian Sundarbans, since 2017 introduced alternative livelihood options (Cycle Van transport, Van Repairing Shop, Grocery Shop, Tea Stall) to total 471 marginalized families who has been making 1,629.00 INR per month by 2021. External evaluation report indicated an average of 40472.50 INR annual income. As per this study, Tea stall is most profitable small business followed by Cycle Van transport, Grocery Shop and Grocery Shop.

Feasibility of buffer zone agroforestry farming practices in the conservation of mangrove ecosystems: A case study assessment from some local communities in Central African coastal zone, South Western Cameroon

Mangroves (stretch of intertidal tropical and subtropical forests between inland coastal forests and the sea) are being exploited at a rate that is unprecedented, there is loss of biodiversity because of conflicting and unsuitable uses. This study was aimed at promoting the protection of mangrove and associated coastal forests within Tiko and Limbe III municipalities in south western Cameroon, Central Africa via the contribution of buffer zone agroforestry. Representative traditionally dominant agricultural land use sites were surveyed for the identification and analysis of farming practices using participatory rapid appraisal (PRA). Data collected (qualitative and quantitative) were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Out of twelve (12) agroforestry practices currently carried out by farmers under three widely dominant classic agroforestry systems (agri-silvicultural – plantation and non-plantation, silvo-pastoral and agri-silvo-pastoral systems), 5 of them under plantation and non-plantation systems (palms on crops lands, cocoa-based, rubber on crop lands, scattered trees on farmland and home gardens) were considered climate smart agroforestry practices. The maximum diameter, density, height and crown diameter of trees were dominant in the cocoa-based except for the mango-based which had the maximum tree height. The tree size class for poles (≥10cm to &lt;30cm) was dominant in the 5 practices. For a more inclusive green economy and climate smart agriculture, some improvements on tree density, shade management and choice of multi-purpose trees species (Cedrela sepium, Moringa oleifera, Leucaena leucocephala and fruit trees) for vital functions such as firewood, soil improvement, medicine, food and construction are advocated to enhance sustainable exploitation of adjacent coastal forests thus protecting mangrove. Moreover, on account of resultant stable tree species, structural and use diversity of adjacent coastal forests, further make buffer agroforestry to hold promise for the conservation of fragile and vulnerable mangroves. There is therefore also need to expand the present study in other mangrove areas especially the mangroves of Cameroon Estuary which is the major deforestation hotspot in Cameroon.

Feasibility of buffer zone agroforestry farming practices in the conservation of mangrove ecosystems: A case study assessment from some local communities in Central African coastal zone, South Western Cameroon

Feasibility of buffer zone agroforestry farming practices in the conservation of mangrove ecosystems: A case study assessment from some local communities in Central African coastal zone, South Western Cameroon

Role of abiotic factors in enhancing the capacity of mangroves in reducing ocean acidification.

The present study investigated the effects of rising carbon dioxide levels in nature and the carbon sequestration potential of dominant mangrove species for reducing the toxic effects of ocean acidification. The study was conducted on the east coast of Odisha, in the western Bay of Bengal. To determine the effect of these ambient parameters on the absorption of carbon dioxide by the mangroves, water temperature, salinity, pH levels of seawater along with soil texture and pH, salinity expressed in electrical conductivity, compactness expressed in bulk density, and soil organic carbon were simultaneously monitored. The aboveground biomass and carbon of the selected species were studied for 2 consecutive years at 10 designated stations. The total carbon calculated for the study area varied from 242.50 ± 49.00 to 1321.29 ± 445.52 tons with a mean of 626.68 ± 174.81 tons for Bhitarkanika and Mahanadi mangrove chunks. This is equivalent to 2299.92 ± 641.55 tons of CO2 absorbed from the atmosphere. A total of 27 equations were selected as the best fit models for the study area. The equations between mangrove biomass and carbon along with aquatic and edaphic factors governing the pH of water and soil strongly support the positive influence of mangrove photosynthetic activity in shifting the equilibrium toward alkalinity. This calls for conservation of mangrove ecosystem to minimize the pace of acidification of estuarine water. The results indicate that Excoecariaagallocha and Avicennia marina as are the most capable species for combatting maximum carbon dioxide toxicity from the atmosphere; which will be helpful in REDD + programs and carbon-based payments for ecosystem services (PES).

Spatial Analysis of Mangrove Distribution Using Landsat 8 Oli in Badung Regency and Denpasar City, Bali Province, Indonesia

Bali is an island situated among the Indonesian archipelago with huge potential to host mangrove forests. Using remote sensing technology advances, satellite images, such as Landsat images, might be employed to analyse mangrove forest distribution and density. This paper presents an analysis of mangrove distribution in Badung Regency and Denpasar City, Bali, as a basis for the management and conservation of mangrove ecosystems. This study used Landsat 8 OLI images and a vegetation index to analyse the mangrove forest distribution and density in this area. It started by identifying mangrove forests using the RGB 564 band and continued to distinguish between mangrove and non-mangrove objects using unsupervised classification, before analysing mangrove density using the NDVI formula. The results show that the mangrove forest area in 2020 was 1,269.20 ha, with an accuracy rate of 83%. Mangroves were found on the deepest or most curved coastline of the Benoa Bay area, on enclosed waters. This distribution follows the river network in the lower reach, which has thick deposits and is uninfluenced by large currents and waves. Based on the vegetation index analysis results, the mangrove forest area observed mainly had a moderate density, with a total area of 510.85 ha (40%), followed by high density (413.15 ha/ 33%) and low density (340.51 ha/ 27%).

Mangrove Forests in Ecuador: A Two-Decade Analysis

Mangroves are one of the most important ecosystems especially due to the services they provide, but in contrast are one of the most threatened by human activities at a global level. In Ecuador, mangrove forests are currently fragile and threatened due to the great anthropic pressure, which has largely reduced the area they occupy. However, there is already evidence that certain actions are contributing both to their conservation and the recovery of the lost mangrove area. In this study, we assessed the multitemporal dynamics of changes in mangrove cover in four coastal provinces of the country over a period of 20 years (1998–2018) based on remote sensing data analyzed using GIS tools. Our results showed that the area affected by mangrove forest destruction reached its maximum during the 1998–2010 period, when 4.56% (194.57 km2) of the mangrove forest was lost. This situation especially affected the provinces of El Oro and Guayas. The main cause for the loss of mangrove cover was the expansion of shrimp farms, followed by agriculture and construction. However, a slight recovery of ~2.9% has been observed, although loss remains constant. Mangrove ecosystem conservation policies, mainly applied to zones within protected areas; the establishment of use and custody agreements and the halt of shrimp farm expansion; the development of mangrove forests on areas with sediment deposits; and natural mangrove recovery processes are key factors for mangrove restoration. These results suggest that it is possible to continue restoring mangrove cover and thus maintain some of the main ecosystem services they provide for the benefit of humans.

Governance issues related to the management and conservation of mangrove ecosystems to support climate change mitigation actions in Indonesia

Mangrove ecosystems in Indonesia show great promise in contributing to climate change mitigation, but they continue to experience significant degradation primarily because of aquaculture conversion. This work analyzes the mangrove governance in Indonesia and how it fits the country's high emission reduction. The study is mainly based on the analysis of existing regulations, interviews with relevant stakeholders, focus group discussions, and series of executive lectures from high-level government officials. Results indicate overlapping authority claims by government institutions stemming from the absence of strong regulations specifically dedicated to mangrove management and conservation. Different government institutions have varied philosophical conceptions and development priorities for sustainably managing and conserving mangroves. This study identifies specific operational regulations that potentially undermine synergies across institutions for mangrove ecosystems. The conflicting regulations relate to coastal reclamation activities, management of mangroves in non-forest zones, and expansion of commercial aquaculture. In addition, several emerging policies, which are anticipated to further encourage ecosystem degradation, are discussed. This work then provides recommendations that can be adopted to foster an improved management and conservation of mangrove ecosystems, with the far-reaching aim to support the country's goals to reduce its carbon emissions. These recommendations include improved orchestrations of policy priorities of different institutions, including the active participation of local communities in the protection and conservation of mangroves.