Mangrove Forest Density Mapping Using Google Earth Engine in Deli Serdang Regency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63639/xjw8ve52Keywords:
Mangrove Density, NDVI, Sentinel-2A, Remote SensingAbstract
Mangrove ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining coastal stability, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining local livelihoods. However, increasing environmental pressure and human activities have led to changes in mangrove cover and vegetation structure in Deli Serdang Regency. This study aims to analyze changes in mangrove cover area and density between 2020 and 2024, as well as to identify the factors influencing these changes. The research employs a qualitative descriptive approach supported by spatial analysis using Sentinel-2A imagery processed through Google Earth Engine and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index method. Field validation was conducted using purposive sampling and GPS-based ground truth data to assess classification accuracy. The results show that mangrove cover decreased from 13,694 ha in 2020 to 13,173 ha in 2024. A significant shift in vegetation structure was observed, with dense mangrove areas declining from 61% to 42%, while moderate-density areas increased from 15% to 33%. The classification achieved an overall accuracy of 83% with a Kappa coefficient of 0.76, indicating reliable results. Environmental factors such as water pH and substrate type, along with anthropogenic pressures including land conversion and accessibility, were identified as key drivers of mangrove density changes. These findings highlight that mangrove degradation occurs not only through area reduction but also through structural changes in vegetation density. The study implies that remote sensing-based monitoring combined with field validation provides an effective approach for supporting sustainable mangrove management and conservation strategies in coastal regions.
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