Planning of potential mangrowe planting and tourism areas in Pangandaran Regency, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to identify and plan potential areas for mangrove ecosystem planting (rehabilitation/restoration) as well as to identify and design potential areas for the development of sustainable mangrove ecotourism in Pangandaran Regency, West Java. This study focuses on six main locations—Karang Tirta, Bojong Salawe, Majingklak, Batu Karas, Babakan (Bulaksetra), and Nusawiru—to restore coastal ecological functions and generate positive economic impacts for local communities. This research employs a descriptive-evaluative method with a qualitative approach. Data collection was conducted through field observations and in-depth interviews with various stakeholders. Secondary data—including ecosystem conditions and supporting documents—were integrated with spatial mapping using a Geographic Information System (GIS). The ecosystem area planning (site plan) phase applied the Integrated and Sustainable Tourism Development Planning approach. Identification of potential mangrove planting areas revealed that Karang Tirta has 5 ha of suitable land dominated by Rhizophora mucronata. Bojong Salawe has a 12-ha mangrove area with two potential sites for new plantings. In Majingklak, a 3-hectare reforestation area is recommended on degraded land that was formerly a disposal site for a stalled project, using the Sonneratia alba species. Batu Karas has 2.72 hectares of potential land along the river channel, with Rhizophora mucronata and Avicennia as the primary vegetation. Babakan (Bulaksetra) has 5.54 hectares of potential land in a post-2006 tsunami succession area with a sandy-mud substrate dominated by Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia spp. Nusawiru is a river estuary area with potential for recreational expansion and mangrove vegetation restoration. This study produced a site plan that divides the area into conservation and utilization zones, as well as planned eco-friendly facilities including a wooden jogging track/boardwalk, a boat/canoe dock, an educational pavilion/gazebo, a floating market, an information center, and a camping ground. Mangrove restoration strengthens natural coastal protection against erosion and tsunami disasters while enhancing aquatic habitats. The development of ecotourism managed by the Pangandaran Regency Tourism Office ( )—based on local communities (Pokdarwis) and in collaboration with small and medium enterprises (SMEs)—has proven capable of creating jobs and sustainable alternative sources of income.