Utilization of mangrove wood by coastal communities: a study on the ecological and economic impacts

Background: Mangrove forests have an important ecological and economic role for coastal communities, including in Torosiaje Village, Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo Province. This study aims to analyze the utilization of mangrove wood by local communities and its impact on the ecosystem. Methods: The research method used is a survey with a qualitative descriptive approach, through observation, interviews, and secondary data analysis. Findings: The results of the study indicate that mangrove wood is used as household fuel with a selling price of around IDR 5,000 per bundle. Although the use of mangrove wood as fuel is still ongoing, public awareness of mangrove conservation is increasing, so that the use of wood is now more directed at wood that is no longer suitable for use. Conclusion: Uncontrolled exploitation of mangrove wood can result in a decrease in the area of ​​the mangrove ecosystem which has a negative impact on the coastal environment. Therefore, a sustainable management strategy is needed to maintain the balance between mangrove utilization and conservation. Novelty/Originality of this Study: The novelty of this study lies in its analysis of shifting community practices in mangrove wood utilization, highlighting the balance between economic dependence and emerging conservation awareness in Torosiaje Village

Morphogenetic and molecular insights into coastal crab species: Implications for mangrove biodiversity and conservation

Background: There are crab species that live in sandy, rocky and muddy coastal areas. One of the locations with these characteristics is Tabongo Village, Dulupi District, Boalemo Regency, this location has a lot of crab species diversity that has not been well confirmed. Identification of crab species was carried out by morphological and genetic characterization of crab species suspected to be Baptozius vinosus and Ocypode ceratophthalmus. This study aims to characterize the morphological and molecular characteristics of both species to understand their variations and phylogenetic relationships. Methods: Sampling used a handpicking method with purposive sampling to select individuals that have similar characters to the target species. Samples were then analyzed through DNA extraction, amplification, sequencing, and measurement of environmental data (temperature, salinity, pH). Findings: 16S rRNA gene sequence alignment results showed the nucleotide length of B. vinosus 568 bp and O. ceratophthalmus 567 bp. BLAST analysis showed 99.81% similarity between the O. ceratophthalmus specimen and the reference sequence (LC150355.1). Genetic distance analysis showed the closeness of the specimen to the population in Pakistan based on the Neighbor-Joining method (Kimura 2-parameter, bootstrap 1000 times). However, the phylogeny of B. vinosus could not be constructed due to limited sequence data. Conclusion: This study shows that morphogenetic characterization and molecular analysis can reveal the variation and phylogenetic relationships of coastal crab species. Novelty/Originality of this Article: This study provides insights into the morphogenetic characterization of coastal crabs and its implications for conservation and biodiversity of mangrove ecosystems

A remote sensing-based analysis of mangrove vegetation density and damage levels for coastal ecosystem management

Background: Mangrove ecosystems play an important role in the balance of the coastal environment but are degraded due to human activities and natural factors. This study aims to analyze the level of damage to mangrove vegetation in Paguyaman Pantai Subdistrict using a remote sensing approach. Methods: This research uses Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2 satellite imagery data, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) method to identify the level of vegetation density. Findings: The results showed that the total area of mangroves in this area is 436.16 Ha, with a classification of high density (248.56 Ha), medium (174.23 ha), and low (13.36 Ha). Damage to the mangrove ecosystem in Paguyaman Pantai District is not significant, because most areas are still dominated by high-density mangroves and overall, the mangrove ecosystem in this area remains in good condition and continues to play a role in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems. Conclusion: Field validation results show that mangroves in this area consist of six main species, namely Rhizophora stylosa, Sonneratia alba, Ceriops tagal, Ceriops decandra, Bruguiera cylindrica, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza. Novelty/Originality of this Study: The novelty of this study lies in its application of remote sensing techniques to assess mangrove vegetation density, providing a comprehensive spatial analysis that supports conservation efforts and sustainable management

Mangrove tourism management strategies and policies towards sustainable mangrove tourism: a comparison study between Mexico and Indonesia

Background: Sustainable mangrove tourism is important to maintain mangrove ecosystems and ecosystem services that are vital to people's livelihoods, especially in the face of economic development pressures from the tourism sector. Mexico and Indonesia have significant mangrove cover and face rapid mangrove loss due to anthropogenic activities, including tourism. Methods: This research used a literature review method, reviewing literature and reliable sources, especially those published in 2023. Policies related to sustainable mangrove tourism in Mexico and Indonesia were analyzed to identify and compare current policies, and evaluate differences, similarities, and lessons learned that can be applied in Indonesia to support sustainable tourism. Results: The study found that the two countries are similar in terms of government control of mangroves, conflicting policies involving multiple interests, and awareness of the importance of involving local communities in mangrove management. Significant differences were found in the history of mangrove area utilization, coordination between government agencies, and the effectiveness of the monitoring system in Mexico, which is more advanced compared to Indonesia. Conclusion: Indonesia can learn lessons from Mexico regarding increased community participation in mangrove management, development of a more integrated monitoring system, and improved coordination between government agencies. Adopting these practices can improve the effectiveness of sustainable mangrove tourism management policies in Indonesia, ensuring the preservation of mangrove ecosystems while supporting economic growth through the tourism sector

Impacts of long-term freshwater benthic insect community shifts on downstream coastal ecosystems

Background: Sungai Ijuk is a vital freshwater ecosystem, where benthic macroinvertebrates serve as key indicators of water quality and ecosystem stability. This study evaluates long-term changes in the benthic insect community structure over a 20-year period, comparing data from 2001 and 2022, to assess the ecological impacts on this aquatic system. Methods: A descriptive method was applied through direct observation at three sampling stations along the Ijuk River. Analyses included species composition, density, diversity index, evenness index, dominance index, and similarity index. Samples were collected from rocky, sandy, and litter substrates, and statistical analyses were conducted to compare changes over the two decades. Findings: The results show a significant decline in community composition, from 9 orders, 30 families, and 62 genera in 2001 to 7 orders, 22 families, and 36 genera in 2022. Insect density also decreased, with the highest recorded density dropping from 1696 ind/m² in 2001 to 1448 ind/m² in 2022. While the diversity index peaked in 2022 on leaf-litter substrates at Station I, the dominance index remained low across both years, and the similarity index among stations increased in 2022, indicating greater community uniformity. Conclusion: This article highlight a significant ecological shift likely driven by anthropogenic pressures such as pollution and substrate modification. Despite reduced species richness and density, the low dominance and increased similarity suggest a relatively stable, though simplified, ecosystem. Novelty/Originality of This Study: This research lies in its longitudinal analysis of benthic insect community structure and its demonstration of anthropogenic impacts over time. It also reinforces the utility of benthic insects as bioindicators of freshwater quality in Indonesia and underscores the urgency of conservation efforts to sustain freshwater ecosystems

Impacts of land clearing for oil palm on coastal ecosystems: A case study of forest and land fires in Riau Province, Indonesia

Background: Forest and land fires (KARHUTLA) on tropical peatlands in Riau Province, Indonesia, are a recurring environmental crisis linked to the expansion of oil palm plantations. Despite regulatory frameworks, the use of fire for land clearing persists, driven by economic incentives and weak enforcement. This study investigates the environmental, economic, and social impacts of land burning in Riau, focusing on plantation expansion, illegal operations, and regulatory loopholes. Methods: A qualitative-descriptive approach was employed, supported by secondary data analysis from governmental and institutional reports. The study utilizes an environmental-economic framework to assess the interdependence between natural resource exploitation and macroeconomic indicators, including the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) and IPAT model. Findings: Oil palm plantations in Riau increased by 120,000 hectares, with approximately 1.8 million hectares operated illegally by 190 companies. This expansion significantly contributes to karhutla, resulting in health issues, haze, and transboundary pollution. Although palm oil exports support Riau’s economic growth—accounting for half of its total exports in 2021—this comes at the cost of severe environmental degradation and tax losses of up to IDR 150 trillion. Regulatory exceptions permitting traditional burning practices are frequently exploited, undermining enforcement efforts. Conclusion: This paper concludes that sustainable solutions require tighter regulation, stronger institutional enforcement, mandatory ISPO/RSPO certification, and a shift toward technological innovations in land clearing. Furthermore, fiscal policies such as commodity taxation can fund environmental restoration efforts. Novelty/Originality of this Article: This study lies in its integrated analysis of ecological degradation and economic output through a macroeconomic lens, offering actionable recommendations for balancing palm oil-driven economic growth with environmental sustainability in developing regions

Forest fires in Kalimantan: study case Central Kalimantan

oai:ojs2.journal-iasssf.com:article/655Background: Forest fires are a serious problem that occurs frequently in Indonesia, particularly in the Kalimantan region. These fires not only damage forest ecosystems, but also disrupt public health and economic activities. This study aims to identify the main sources of forest fires in Central Kalimantan and to evaluate the effectiveness of law enforcement on forest fires. Methods: A qualitative approach was used in this research with two main data collection methods: literature review and case study. The literature review was conducted to understand the context of forest fires and existing regulations, while the case study was conducted in the Mawas region of Central Kalimantan to gather empirical data from local communities' experiences of fire causes and law enforcement. Results: Based on the data collected, the main source of forest fires in Central Kalimantan is the activities of field farmers and fishermen. The table shows the percentage of respondents in the five villages who identified different sources of fires, with smallholder farmers and fishermen being the largest contributors. Although there are regulations governing the use of fire, law enforcement is still very weak, as evidenced by the lack of legal action against violators. Conclusion: Forest fires in Central Kalimantan are mostly caused by human activities, especially by farmers and fishermen. Although there are regulations in place, enforcement of the laws has not proven effective in preventing forest fires. The government needs to make more determined and systematic efforts to raise public awareness and improve compliance and strengthen law enforcement to reduce the frequency of forest fires in the future

Total biomass, carbon stock and carbon dioxide sequestration value of kandelia candel stands on Payung Island, Banyuasin II Sub-district, Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatera

Background: This research aims to analyze the value of biomass, carbon reserves and carbon dioxide uptake in Kandelia candel (L.) Druce stands and compare the values at both observation stations. Methods: Using the purposive sampling method, observation stations were determined based on the presence of K. candel with stem diameter ≥ 5 cm. Comparison of biomass values, carbon reserves and carbon dioxide uptake at the two stations was analyzed using graphic analysis. Results: The results of this research show that the biomass value from the two observation stations is 342.70 tons/ha with the highest biomass value found at station II, namely 193.69 tons/ha. The carbon reserve value is 157.65 C/ha, while the carbon dioxide uptake value is 571.32 tonnes CO2/ha. Conclusion: The values of biomass, carbon reserves and carbon dioxide uptake at the two observation stations are different due to differences in stem diameter

Influence of mangrove ecosystem quality degradation on long-tailed monkey population in Muara Angke wildlife sanctuary Jakarta

Background: One of the problems that occurs in the Muara Angke Wildlife Reserve (SMMA) is the generation of rubbish. This research aims to explain the decline in mangrove quality that occurred in SMMA and its effect on the long-tailed monkey population. Methods:  This research methodologically combines qualitative and quantitative methods, namely interviews, observation and air testing in the laboratory. Results: The results of this research found that organic pollution in the Angke River exceeded quality standards by two times, which probably also came from high levels of ammonia and detergent contamination. Apart from that, from observations, organizational and business activities cause waste in the Angke River. The decline in the quality of the mangrove ecosystem has an impact on the long-tailed monkey population. Initially there were three populations, but now there are only two populations totaling 65-66 individuals. Conclusion: This assumes that there is a possibility that long-tailed monkeys migrate to other places. Therefore, there is an influence between the decline in the quality of the mangrove ecosystem on long-tailed monkeys

Atmospheric carbon dioxide uptake by mangrove trees

Background:. This study was written in the aim of knowing how to calculate the carbon uptake by mangrove using steps that had been done by previous study, also knowing which type of mangrove that absorbs most of the carbon. Methods: This paper is compiled by collecting related data from various library sources, such as online articles and other scientific journals. Most of the similar papers are quantitative methods where calculation is needed and previous data study. Results: The result of this research is that mangrove has the ability to absorb carbon dioxide based on the diameter of the tree as a factor of the value of carbon uptake. In Indonesia, Rhizophora mucronata is the best mangrove species to carbon sequestration in forest with 43.130,21 kg C/ha, which is followed by Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Soneratia alba, and Avicenia alba