Journal of Natural Resources and Environmental Management

13(4): 606–612. http://dx.doi.org/10.29244/jpsl.13.4.606–612

E-ISSN: 2460-5824
http://journal.ipb.ac.id/index.php/jpsl

The role of community-based tourism for mangroves conservation in Banten,

Indonesia
Eni Nuraenia, Yayan Wahyu C. Kusuma b
a Department of Biology, Fakulty of Science, UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin, Banten, 42216, Indonesia
b Research Center for Ecology and Ethnobiology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia

Article Info: Abstract. Mangroves provide multiple ecological functions, such as

Received: 13 - 01 - 2023 connectors and balancers of land and sea ecosystems. The presence of
Accepted: 21 - 05 - 2023
mangroves in coastal areas is very important for reducing the impact of
Keywords: tsunamis and tidal flooding. The role of local communities in the form of
Abrasion, conservation, floods, community-based tourism models, in conserving mangrove forests has not
mangrove forests, restoration been extensively studied. This study aims to fill the gap in evaluating local
Corresponding Author: communities’ involvement, particularly under the tourism-based
Eni Nuraeni communities’ model, in conserving mangroves and, at the same time, gaining
Department of Biology, Faculty economic benefits. This study was conducted in Lembur Mangrove Patikang,
of Science, UIN Sultan Maulana Citeureup Village, Pandeglang Regency. This study applied mixed methods
Hasanuddin;
that combine both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Primary data
Phone: +6287885664574
Email: were obtained directly from the local community through using
[email protected] questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. Secondary data was
collected through a literature review of mangrove conservation and
community development in coastal areas. Our study found that local
community-based tourism namely “Putri Gundul” played a very important
role in increasing community awareness to conserve mangrove forests. The
community has gained more knowledge on the biology of mangrove species
and the ecology of mangroves for mangrove restoration. Furthermore, the
involvement of local communities in mangrove conservation and restoration
can increase the economy of communities by producing various products from
mangroves.
How to cite (CSE Style 8th Edition):
Nuraeni E, YWC Kusuma. 2023. The role of community-based tourism for mangroves conservation in Banten, Indonesia. JPSL 13(4):
606–612. http://dx.doi.org/10.29244/jpsl.13.4.606–612.

INTRODUCTION
Mangroves are coastal ecosystems, in addition to coral reefs and seagrasses (Saru 2014). Mangrove
forests, or mangroves, are vegetation composed of trees and shrubs that are salt-tolerant. According to Saru
(2014), mangroves can function in maintaining ecosystem stability or balance as a source of nutrients, nursery
grounds, feeding grounds, and spawning grounds. Economically, the mangrove ecosystem can be used as an
area for cultivation, fishing, tourism destinations, and as a source of wood for coastal communities. Mangroves
act as connectors and balancers in land and sea ecosystems, where plants, animals, and various nutrients are
transferred to land or sea through mangroves. Mangroves have important ecological functions in coastal areas
(Lee et al. 2014; Carugati et al. 2018). Furthermore, mangroves are also important in reducing the impact of
tsunamis and tidal flooding (Dahdouh-Guebas et al. 2005).

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Currently, the utilization of mangroves by coastal communities is not sustainable. Anthropogenic

activities in coastal areas for agriculture, plantations, fish, and shrimp ponds, as well as residential
development, cause mangrove degradation. According to Sifleet et al. (2011), damage to coastal ecosystems
is estimated to reach 340,000–980,000 hectares annually, 35% of which occurs in mangroves. The most
dominant cause of mangrove degradation in Indonesia is the conversion into fishery areas, such as salt ponds
and shrimp ponds, as well as infrastructure development, such as ports and tourist attractions (Arifanti et al.
2021). The physical degradation of this ecosystem requires immense effort for restoration (Effendi 2009).
The total area of mangroves in Indonesia is estimated over 3.3 million hectares, which is approximately
20% of the total mangrove area in the world (Nurbaya et al. 2020; Spalding et al. 2021). Pandeglang Regency
is one of the regencies in Banten Province with a coastal area of about 76 hectare (ha) spreading from
Panimbang Beach, Tanjung Lesung, north coast of Ujung Kulon National Park, Panaitan Island and Peucang
Island (DKPPB 2018). Currently, mangroves in this area continue to deteriorate in terms of coverage and
conditions. The condition of mangrove forests, especially in the coastal area of Pandeglang Regency, many of
which are experiencing degradation, is being converted into a coastal tourism area. Utilization of mangroves
is not in accordance with their function and has caused massive damage to the mangrove ecosystem. The
conservation of mangroves is very important to prevent the danger of tsunamis and tidal flooding in coastal
communities.
Several studies have reported the success of mangrove conservation with the participation of local
communities, such as those in Probolinggo, East Java (Pribadiningtyas et al. 2013), Tiwoho-North Sulawesi
(Nurrani et al. 2015), Bekasi-West Java (Yuliani and Herminasari 2017), Pasawaran-Lampung (Alfandi et al.
2019), and in Mempawah-West Kalimantan (Roslinda et al. 2021). However, other than their participation in
conservation, the economic benefits of mangroves have not been explored much. Thus, this study aims to fill
the gap in evaluating local communities’ involvement, particularly under the scheme of the community-based
tourism model, in conserving mangroves and simultaneously gaining economic benefit.

METHOD
This study was conducted in Lembur Mangrove Patikang, a hamlet in Citeureup Village, Pandeglang
Regency, Banten Province (Figure 1). The hamlet has mangroves and a swamp of approximately 4 ha (MTCE
2019).

Figure 1 Location of mangrove forest managed by local community-based tourism “Putri Gundul"
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This research activity was carried out for four months, from January to April 2022, using mixed methods
that combine quantitative and qualitative approaches (Creswell and Clark 2011). The population in this study
consisted of heads of families living in Lembur Mangrove Patikang (35 households). The respondents were
randomly selected with a sampling intensity of 85% (30 families). Primary data were obtained through
questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. We also observed directly in the field the current condition of
mangroves, hamlets, and the activities of local residents relate to mangroves. Secondary data was obtained by
conducting a literature review regarding mangrove conservation and community development in the study
area, partially those contained in the documentation of activities carried out by the local group “Putri Gundul”.
The results of the study were analyzed using descriptive and qualitative approaches.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Current Condition of The Mangroves
Mangroves in Lembur Mangrove Patikang, Citeureup Village consist of several species, namely
Rhizopora mucronata, R. stylosa, Sonneratia alba, Avicennia marina, A. alba, Ceriops tagal, and Nypa
fruticans (Figure 2). Avicennia marina and A. alba are the local mangrove species found in Lembur Mangrove
Patikang. The other species were planted by villagers.

(1) Avicennia marina (2) Avicenia alba (3) Ceriops tagal (4) Nypa fruticans

(5) Ceriops sp (6) Rhizophora mucronata (7) Rhizophora Stylasa (8) Sonneratia sp.

Figure 1 Species of mangroves in Lembur Mangrove Patikang

Figure 2 Damage to mangrove forests in Lembur Mangrove Patikang

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They planted species that could withstand abrasion and tidal flooding, such as Rhizophora mucronata and
R. stylosa. Both species have aerial roots that grow above the soil surface and stick out of tree trunks. However,
mangroves around Citeureup Village are not in good condition, some areas are damaged, and others have been
converted into fish and shrimp ponds (Figure 3). Such conditions are very dangerous to the community because
during extreme weather, residential areas will be vulnerable to tsunamis and tidal flooding.

Villagers’ Perceptions on The Mangroves

Generally, the community in Citeureup Village claimed to have certain knowledge about mangroves.
Based on our study, approximately 94% of them said that they knew about the habitat of mangroves, 100%
understood the current condition of the mangroves surrounding their neighborhood, 97% claimed to understand
the benefits of mangroves, and approximately 88% of them knew what kind of factors interfered with the
mangrove ecosystem.
Our study also showed that 94% of the community said that public awareness regarding the benefits of
mangroves was often carried out by the government, however there were few implemented programs currently
undertaken. The community is interested in managing the mangroves indicated by our study, which showed
that around 47% of the community is eager to collaborate with government and non-governmental
organizations (Table 1). Thus, the existence of social groups established by the community plays an important
role. A local group for tourism awareness namely “Putri Gundul” is one of community-based tourism models
that was initiated by the community themselves. “Putri Gundul” was formed by the villagers of Citeureup
Village, focusing on mangrove ecotourism. Mangroves under the supervision of “Putri Gundul” cover only
about four hectares.

“Putri Gundul” Roles in Conservation of Mangroves

In December 2018, this area was affected by a tsunami (Solihuddin 2020). Mangroves acted as a barrier
protecting the Citeureup Village from the devastating tsunami. Therefore, the impact felt by the community is
not severe. This shows that mangroves are important for the village, and it is necessary to restore the degraded
mangroves to prevent potential tidal flooding and abrasion in the future. Approximately 1.5 ha of mangroves
in the village were degraded. “Putri Gundul” helps the Citeureup community improve their knowledge of
mangrove silviculture and management and bridges the community with the local government to conserve the
mangroves. This group carried out educational activities such as training with the aim that local communities
directly participate in conserving and protecting the mangroves. Our study showed that approximately 94% of
the community understood mangrove management techniques, particularly in silviculture (Table 1).
Approximately 50% of the mangroves (1.5 ha) were successfully restored. This indicates the successful efforts
of “Putri Gundul” in conserving mangroves in Lembur Mangrove Patikang area.
To achieve this, “Putri Gundul” used a persuasive, educative, and facilitative strategy. A persuasive
strategy was implemented by researching the importance of mangroves to prevent tidal flooding and abrasion.
The educational strategy used by this group was to provide training to local communities on how to nurse,
plant, and tend mangroves (Figure 4). The community was also trained to gain economic benefits from
conserving and protecting the mangroves by processing the fruits of mangrove species into drinks, food, and
crafts (Figure 5). The role of the community in mangrove conservation efforts is highly correlated with the
knowledge possessed by the local community (Hamdhani 2022), thus, the involvement of this group is
important in providing counselling and training about mangroves in the community.
The facilitative strategy carried out by “Putri Gundul” is to provide financial assistance for the processing
of mangrove fruit as well as to provide promotional media assistance. This is done to help the community's
business, so that it can improve the economic welfare of the community and reduce unemployment. The
involvement of “Putri Gundul” was not limited to mangrove conservation and preservation. Mangrove
ecotourism was also initiated. Mangrove ecotourism in Lembur Mangrove Patikang is nature-based tourism
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that specifically serves as an educational and recreational place. Mangrove ecotourism can be used by students,
students, teachers, and lecturers as a means of research. Public visitors can also enjoy this place. Ecotourism
has improved the livelihoods of communities. On average, the monthly income of the community increased
up to 45.5%. Mangrove ecotourism is expected to create an integrated management regime to prevent coastal
disasters and improve the economy of the community.

Table 1 Results of the analysis of local people's perceptions of mangrove forests in Patikang
Percentage of local people
Questionnaire topic High Average Less No
knowledge knowledge knowledge knowledge
Mangrove habitat 6 94 0 0
Condition of mangrove forest 0 100 0 0
Knowledge of the benefits of mangrove habitat 3 97 0 0
Public awareness to socialize the benefits of 0 94 3 3
mangrove forest management
Interest in managing mangrove forests 100 0 0 0
Factors that disturb the mangrove ecosystem 3 88 6 3
Mangrove forest management carried out in 0 94 6 0
Lembur Mangrove Patikang
Local community involvement in mangrove 3 94 0 3
forest management

Figure 3 Mangrove nursery and mangrove restoration activities by “Putri Gundul”

Figure 4 Processed products from the use of mangrove fruit by “Putri Gundul”
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CONCLUSION
The coastal area of Citeureup Village is an area in Panimbang Sub-district, Pandeglang Regency which
is prone to tidal flooding and abrasion, this is seen from the condition of the area which is directly opposite of
the beach. The condition of the mangrove forest in this area is concerning. Many mangrove forests have been
converted into ponds and damaged by tidal flooding. The existence of a local group namely “Putri Gundul”
plays an important role in increasing local community awareness and participation in mangrove forest
conservation. “Putri Gundul” helps the community of mangrove villages in Citereup have sufficient
knowledge of mangrove planting and maintenance techniques. In addition, the creativity of local communities
is also needed to develop mangrove forest conservation. It can be seen from the large number of Citereup
communities involved in tourism activities, as well as in processing food and beverage products derived from
mangrove fruit and leaves, to improve the monthly income of the community.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We express our gratitude to all members of “Putri Gundul”, the local government in Citereup, our
colleagues at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin and Center for
Ecology and Ethnobiology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) who have facilitated and
assisted during the research.

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