An Economic Valuation Analysis Of Mangrove Forest Ecosystem Presence

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems are often treated as public resources, accessible for use without consideration for their sustainability. This study aims to evaluate the utilization and total economic value of the mangrove ecosystem in Jenggalu Kito Village, Bengkulu City. The assessment covers Direct Economic Benefits, Indirect Benefits, Optional Benefits, and the Existence Value of the Mangrove Ecosystem in the village. A quantitative descriptive research design was employed, utilizing data collected through questionnaires, interviews, observations, and documentation. The study population consisted of 32 individuals, including 20 fishermen whose primary livelihood depends on the mangroves, and 12 others with secondary livelihoods in the village, with a census method technique applied for data collection.

Funding: This research was supported by [insert funding source], which provided the necessary resources for data collection and analysis. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive approach to quantifying the economic value of mangrove ecosystems in a specific local context, highlighting the significance of both direct and indirect benefits in sustaining the livelihoods of local communities.The objective of this study is to provide a detailed economic valuation of the mangrove ecosystem in Jenggalu Kito Village, which can serve as a foundation for sustainable management practices and policy formulation to ensure the long-term preservation of these critical natural resources. The findings reveal that the direct utilization of the mangrove forest generates a value of IDR 521,925,421 per month, accounting for 93.0% of the total economic value. Indirect benefits contribute IDR 36,931,390 per month (6.6%), while Optional Benefits and Existence Value are estimated at IDR 1,153,167 (0.2%) and IDR 1,130,000 (0.2%) per month, respectively. These results underscore the economic importance of mangrove ecosystems and the need for sustainable management to preserve their value for future generations.