Assessing the Environmental and Socioeconomic Impacts of Mangrove Loss in Indonesia: A Synthesis for Science-Based Policy

Background

Indonesia’s rate of mangrove loss has accelerated to about 40% over the past 30 years. Despite the government’s policies and investments for mitigating mangrove degradation, low seedling survival, and poor site suitability have impeded restoration progress. This study aims to review mangrove loss in Indonesia and assess the negative impacts of mangrove loss on carbon stocks, local livelihoods, and ecosystem benefits (e.g., fisheries, coastal protection, biodiversity).

Goals and Methods

The authors conducted a literature review of publications describing changes in mangrove cover and the loss of mangrove resources in Indonesia. They analyzed science-based policies for mangrove conservation and restoration to develop an improved policy recommendation for Indonesia’s national mangrove governance.

Conclusions and Takeaways

Mangrove forest and carbon stock loss in Indonesia is high compared with other Southeast Asian countries, with deforestation rates of about 18,000 ha per year between 2009 and 2019. The main drivers of mangrove degradation are anthropogenic activities like conversion to aquaculture ponds, clearing for agriculture, and coastal urban area expansion. Mangrove degradation decreases the biodiversity and biomass of different aquatic animals and microorganisms, which negatively impacts ecological functions, ecosystem quality, and ecosystem services. Reduced fish populations in degraded areas decrease local communities’ access to food and other resources for their livelihoods, forcing people to seek alternative sources of income. However, intact mangrove forests have higher carbon stocks and better protect coastlines from tropical storms than degraded or restored mangroves. Consequently, the authors recommend policy actions that prioritize the conservation of existing mangroves with limited implementation of targeted restoration projects that rely on stronger intragovernmental coordination, local community participation, and science-based management techniques.