Inventory Of Mangrove Forests As Part Of Efforts To Manage The Coastal Area Of ​​Deli Serdang Regency

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Inventory of Mangrove Forests as Part of Efforts to Manage the Coastal Area of Deli Serdang Regency

Introduction

Mangrove forests play a vital role in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems, providing a habitat for various marine life, preventing coastal abrasion, and acting as a wave barrier. However, the condition of mangrove forests in Deli Serdang Regency has been found to be in a poor state, with low diversity and varied thickness, indicating significant damage to these ecosystems. This article aims to discuss the results of a research study conducted by Sri Susanti Ningsih, under the guidance of Dr. Retno Widhiastuti, MS, Dr. Budi Utomo, SP, MP, and Ir. Guslim, MS, which analyzed the conditions and methods of mangrove forest management in nine coastal villages of Deli Serdang Regency.

Methodology

The research study used a printed line method with a size of 10 m x 60 m for each village, with a different sub-print size for seedlings, stakes, and trees. The parameters analyzed included important value indexes, diversity indexes, profile diagrams, mangrove forest thicknesses, and salinity. The study aimed to identify the types of mangrove vegetation, diversity, and thickness of mangrove forests in the coastal region of Deli Serdang Regency.

Results

The results of the study showed that the type of mangrove vegetation that dominated the coastal region of Deli Serdang Regency was Avicennia Marina (Black API), followed by Excoecaria Agallocha (blind-million) and Avicennia Alba (API-White). Unfortunately, the diversity of types of mangroves in this region is relatively low. The thickness of the thick mangrove forest was found in Paluh Kurau Village (500 m), while the thickness of a thin mangrove forest was found in Rugemuk Village (20 m). Karang Gading Village (78.99%) and Tanjung Rejo Village (63.76%) have the highest canopy cover area, while Paluh Sibaji Village (20.58%) and Rugemuk Village (26.43%) have the lowest area of the canopy. The highest salinity was found in Labuhan Deli District and Hamparan Perak District, while Percut Sei Tuan District has medium salinity, and Pantai Labu District has low to moderate salinity.

Discussion

The results of the analysis of vegetation density and the area of the canopy closure show the condition of the mangrove forest in the coastal area of Deli Serdang Regency is generally damaged. The dominance of certain types of mangroves and low diversity indicates an imbalance of ecosystems. In addition, varied mangrove forest thickness and low canopy closure area indicates significant damage to mangrove forests. This damage is exacerbated by the presence of high salinity in several regions, which can threaten the survival of mangroves.

Conclusion

The condition of mangrove forests in Deli Serdang Regency is a serious warning for the region. Mangrove forests have an important role in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems, providing a habitat for various marine life, preventing coastal abrasion, and acting as a wave barrier. Damage to mangrove forests can have a negative impact on the lives of coastal communities, such as loss of livelihoods, increased risk of natural disasters, and decreased sea quality.

Recommendations

To rescue and rehabilitate mangrove forests in Deli Serdang Regency, the following steps can be taken:

  • Increasing public awareness: Education and socialization to the public about the importance of the existence of mangrove forests and the impact of damage.
  • Law Enforcement: The application of strict sanctions for those who commit mangrove forest damage.
  • Mangrove forest rehabilitation: Mangrove planting in a damaged area and preserving the existing mangrove forests.
  • Development of Mangrove Forest Management Models: Applying a sustainable mangrove forest management model and involves the local community.
  • Mangrove-based economic development: Improving the community's economy through environmentally friendly activities, such as fish farming in mangrove ponds or mangrove ecotourism.

Conclusion

This research is a clear proof that the condition of mangrove forests in Deli Serdang Regency requires serious attention. Efforts to rescue and rehabilitate mangrove forests are a crucial step in maintaining the preservation of coastal ecosystems and realizing the welfare of coastal communities in Deli Serdang Regency.

References

  • Ningsih, S. S. (2022). Inventory of Mangrove Forests in Deli Serdang Regency: A Danger Sign for Coastal Ecosystems. Master's Thesis, Universitas Negeri Medan.
  • Widhiastuti, R., Utomo, B., & Guslim, G. (2022). Mangrove Forest Management in Deli Serdang Regency: A Case Study. Journal of Coastal Management, 10(2), 1-12.

Keywords

  • Mangrove forests
  • Deli Serdang Regency
  • Coastal ecosystems
  • Mangrove forest management
  • Mangrove-based economic development
  • Environmental conservation
  • Sustainable development
    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mangrove Forests in Deli Serdang Regency

Introduction

Mangrove forests play a vital role in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems, providing a habitat for various marine life, preventing coastal abrasion, and acting as a wave barrier. However, the condition of mangrove forests in Deli Serdang Regency has been found to be in a poor state, with low diversity and varied thickness, indicating significant damage to these ecosystems. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about mangrove forests in Deli Serdang Regency.

Q: What are mangrove forests?

A: Mangrove forests are a type of coastal ecosystem that is dominated by mangrove trees, which are adapted to living in saltwater environments. Mangrove forests provide a habitat for various marine life, prevent coastal abrasion, and act as a wave barrier.

Q: Why are mangrove forests important?

A: Mangrove forests are important because they provide a habitat for various marine life, prevent coastal abrasion, and act as a wave barrier. They also help to maintain the balance of coastal ecosystems and provide a source of income for local communities through fishing and tourism.

Q: What is the current condition of mangrove forests in Deli Serdang Regency?

A: The current condition of mangrove forests in Deli Serdang Regency is poor, with low diversity and varied thickness, indicating significant damage to these ecosystems.

Q: What are the causes of damage to mangrove forests in Deli Serdang Regency?

A: The causes of damage to mangrove forests in Deli Serdang Regency include over-harvesting of mangrove wood, pollution, and coastal development.

Q: What can be done to rescue and rehabilitate mangrove forests in Deli Serdang Regency?

A: To rescue and rehabilitate mangrove forests in Deli Serdang Regency, the following steps can be taken:

  • Increasing public awareness: Education and socialization to the public about the importance of the existence of mangrove forests and the impact of damage.
  • Law Enforcement: The application of strict sanctions for those who commit mangrove forest damage.
  • Mangrove forest rehabilitation: Mangrove planting in a damaged area and preserving the existing mangrove forests.
  • Development of Mangrove Forest Management Models: Applying a sustainable mangrove forest management model and involves the local community.
  • Mangrove-based economic development: Improving the community's economy through environmentally friendly activities, such as fish farming in mangrove ponds or mangrove ecotourism.

Q: What are the benefits of mangrove-based economic development?

A: The benefits of mangrove-based economic development include improving the community's economy, creating jobs, and providing a source of income for local communities.

Q: How can local communities be involved in mangrove forest management?

A: Local communities can be involved in mangrove forest management through education and training programs, community-based conservation initiatives, and participatory decision-making processes.

Q: What is the role of government in mangrove forest management?

A: The government has a crucial role in mangrove forest management, including providing policy and regulatory frameworks, allocating resources for conservation and rehabilitation, and supporting community-based conservation initiatives.

Q: What is the future of mangrove forests in Deli Serdang Regency?

A: The future of mangrove forests in Deli Serdang Regency depends on the efforts of local communities, government, and other stakeholders to conserve and rehabilitate these ecosystems. With proper management and conservation, mangrove forests can continue to provide important ecosystem services and support the livelihoods of local communities.

Conclusion

Mangrove forests in Deli Serdang Regency are facing significant threats, including over-harvesting of mangrove wood, pollution, and coastal development. However, with proper management and conservation, these ecosystems can continue to provide important ecosystem services and support the livelihoods of local communities. We hope that this article has provided useful information and insights about mangrove forests in Deli Serdang Regency.