Abstract

This research aimed to assess the degradation level of mangrove forest and the strategy to reduce the degradation level. The overall research time was 1 year, focusing on identification of mangrove forests degradation level, exploration of mangrove vegetation structure and preparation for mangrove degradation reduction strategy. The research was located in Tabongo Village, Dulupi District, Boalemo Regency, Gorontalo Province. The method used in the research was explorative survey, while the data analysis was done with quantitative descriptive analysis. The collecting method used was point centered quarter meter (PCQM) method. The degradation level of mangrove forests was analyzed by standard criteria of mangrove destruction according to Ministerial Decree of State Minister for The Environment (Kepmen. LH) No. 201 in 2004. Results showed that there are 4 species of mangrove plants in Tabongo village, Dulupi district namely Rhizophora apiculata Blume, Rhizophora mucronata Lamk., Ceriops tagal (Perr) C.B.Rob, and Bruguiera which included in the Rhizophoraceae family. Rhizophora apiculata had the highest IVI value at the stage of tree and sapling, while Rhizophora mucronata Lamk had the highest IVI value at the stage of seedling. Tabongo mangrove area was a Scrub or dwarf forest type generally. This type was classified as a typical mangrove found in low edges. Based on the relative coverage values of each mangrove species, the conditions were in the damage criteria due to the coverage value of <50%/ha. The reduction strategy that could be implemented to recover the quality of mangrove areas include (a) the assessment of the importance of the mangrove areas with regard to their ecological and economic value, (b) improving quality of mangrove habitat, (c) educational approach by making the mangrove areas as learning media and source, and (d) empowerment of people living around the mangrove areas.

Keywords: Degradation of mangrove forest, density, coverage value