Examining the protective services of mangroves at a regional scale in Indonesia

Abstract (Swedish)

The purpose of this thesis is to examine how the exposure of the coastal population of Kalimantan, Indonesia changed as a result of coastal mangrove loss and population growth. The change of exposure has therefore been calculated through the loss of mangrove biomass, through deforestation and degradation, over time, as well the increase in population living within 10km2 of disturbed mangroves. The results revealed that undisturbed mangroves have been decreasing since 1990 and that deforested and degraded mangroves have followed similar trends. Furthermore, over 20% of the total population of Kalimantan live with 10km of degraded and deforested
mangroves. Given that the study covers an extensive area, three hotspots have been identified, where there has been substantial population growth in areas surrounding mangrove forests. A closer look at the governance of mangroves in Indonesia reveals that whilst there are many administrative structures responsible for the management and maintenance of mangroves, there is little cross-collaboration between actors. Furthermore, there is little use of NBS, specifically mangroves within the context of disaster risk reduction. The inclusion of mangroves in Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contributions as well as the recent implementation of a policy to replant mangroves, shows promise that mangroves will be utilised for their protective services and ability to increase local resilience.

Popular Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems have the potential to provide a host of ecosystem services to the communities surrounding them. Dense, healthy, networks of mangroves are able to provide a buffer to coastlines against the increasingly frequent and intense storms, expected under the influence of climate change. Additionally, healthy, mangrove ecosystem provide coastal communities with other benefits such as more diverse livelihood opportunities, food, and resources. Despite these many
benefits, many mangrove ecosystems have been deforested and degraded due to urban development and, conversion to agricultural land and aquaculture farms. Although Indonesia currently hosts more than 20% of the world’s mangroves, there are concerns that the massive land use changes that have been occurring in the three decades has led to substantial deforestation and degradation of the mangroves in Indonesia. This thesis uses a case study approach to examine how the exposure of the coastal population of Kalimantan, Indonesia has changed as a result of coastal mangrove loss and population growth. To answer how exposure has increased, the change in population density has been calculated between 2000- 2020 in relation to
the distance from the various mangrove classes. People living in proximity to undisturbed and degraded mangroves may be more exposed to consequences of coastal hazards than those who receive more protection from many undisturbed mangroves.
The results of this study show that, in the last thirty years undisturbed mangroves in Kalimantan have declined by a total extent of 1208km 2 between 1990 and 2020. The net loss of mangroves is not evenly distributed across Kalimantan, and this study further reveals that degradation of mangroves is occurring more extensively than deforestation of mangroves. The primary cause for the deforestation is the conversion of mangroves to other land use types, namely, aquaculture, oil
palm, agriculture, and mining. Degradation of mangroves, on the other hand, appears to be more closely linked to small scale anthropogenic pressures and the unsustainable use of mangroves close to settlements and development areas.
This study additionally reveals that, the government of Indonesia is actively working towards increasing the sustainable management of mangroves for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation purposes. Evidence of this, is found in Indonesia’s NDCs, where there is a clear link to the use of mangroves as a mechanism for pursuing climate change adaptation activities, as well as
through a vast array of laws and governing bodies that manage mangroves across the country. That said, whilst there are structures in place for the management of mangroves, they are fragmented across multiple different governing bodies and stakeholders, which may be hindering their effectivity. Lastly, there is a strong need to ensure that actions any actions taken are translated to the
local level by incorporating local stakeholders, to achieve sustainable use of the ecosystem to prevent the continued loss of mangrove forests.

• author: Gomez, Mikaela
• supervisor: Per Becker
• organization: Division of Risk Management and Societal Safety
• course: VBRM15 20221
• year: 2022
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Science General
• keywords: Mangroves, Nature-Based Solutions, Disaster Risk Reduction, Exposure, GIS, Remote Sensing
• language: English
• id: 9099286
• date added to LUP: 2022-09-08 12:17:14
• date last changed: 2022-09-08 12:17:14