Spatial multi-criteria analysis to capture socio-economic factors in mangrove conservation

Mangrove forests are among the most productive ecosystems, located in tropical and subtropical coastal waters and river estuaries. Mangroves benefit both people and the environment by providing shelter for brackish-water organisms, such as fish and shrimp. They form a green-belt area that protects land from abrasion and tsunamis, along with goods and services for people, e.g., fruit, fish and charcoal. However, unmanaged use of mangrove ecosystems has resulted in a widespread decline in their function and conflicts between users. A paucity of research on mangrove management and spatial zoning is also contributing to the decline of these ecosystems. This study develops a prioritisation process with Spatial Multi-criteria Analysis (SMCA) for social-ecological mangrove management, based on a case study in Baros, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. We include social (participation and perception), demographic, economic (economic value of mangroves) and ecological criteria (water quality, mangrove density and diversity, phytoplankton diversity and density) criteria and spatial considerations informed by remote sensing imagery. We consider the three different conservation scenarios of habitat protection areas, sanctuary areas, and restricted areas to help configure management plan options. We demonstrate how SMCA can support managers and policymakers in mapping conservation areas based on complex and diverse social-ecological data. However, further discussion with stakeholders in Baros is required to validate the produced map for future use. The involvement of stakeholders and governing bodies from the beginning or within the SMCA analysis will always be crucial in community-based prioritisations.

Automated summary

Mangrove forests, located in tropical and subtropical coastal waters and river estuaries, are highly productive ecosystems that provide benefits for both people and the environment. However, the unmanaged use of these ecosystems has led to their decline and conflicts between users. This study develops a prioritisation process using Spatial Multi-criteria Analysis (SMCA) for social-ecological mangrove management, considering social, demographic, economic, and ecological criteria, as well as spatial considerations. The findings demonstrate how SMCA can support managers and policymakers in mapping conservation areas based on complex social-ecological data.