The Ecological Mangrove Health Through Bioassessment Approaches for Coastal Resilience in Kulon Progo Yogyakarta

Abstrak

ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS- This research is the first integrated bioassessment of mangroves in Kulon Progo combining vegetation and carbon.- Reveals dominance of R. mucronata with low species diversity, indicating ecosystem degradation.- Demonstrates high carbon storage in large-diameter species (Avicennia, Sonneratia).- Fills research gap on site-specific carbon stock estimation in southern Java mangroves.- Conservation strategy requires species diversification and eco-hydrology-based restoration can provide policy-relevant conservation strategies aligned with Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030.ABSTRACTBioassessment of the mangrove ecosystem in the riparian estuary of Kulon Progo can be used as a scientific basis to support coastal conservation. This study focused on ecological conditions of the riparian estuary. The study was conducted using a descriptive-quantitative approach through the collection of biological indicator data in the form of mangrove vegetation data and physical-chemical environmental parameters. This study showed that changes in mangrove land cover reached a peak of 98.7 ha in 2016 and stabilized at around 95.8 ha in 2024. This study also showed the discovery of 16 species from 5 families with the dominance of Rhizophora mucronata, low to moderate diversity index values (H' = 1.28 – 1.71), and low uniformity (E), especially in Serang River. Estimates of biomass and carbon stocks showed that R. mucronata contributed the most overall, but large-diameter species such as Avicennia marina and Sonneratia alba had higher carbon reserves per tree (700 – 900 Mg C/ha). Analysis of physical-chemical parameters showed that conditions are still suitable for supporting mangrove growth, although they are strongly influenced by freshwater flow. According to MHI, the bioassessment results were in the moderate category, meaning that the mangroves still functioned as carbon sinks and coastal protection, but were vulnerable due to low diversity and anthropogenic pressure. This study emphasized the importance of conservation strategies based on species diversification, restoration of former pond areas using an eco-hydrology approach, regulation of ecotourism carrying capacity, and periodic bioassessment monitoring to strengthen the stability of mangrove ecosystems. These findings are relevant to Indonesia's FOLU Net Sink 2030 target and REDD+ program, while also providing a scientific basis for sustainable mangrove management in Kulon Progo.

Kata kunci

• bioassessment
• conservation
• ecological health
• mangrove
• riparian estuary
• Aquactic Ecology
• mangrove ecosystem
• biodiversity
• biology conservation
• coastal ecosystem
• blue carbon