Resource Potential of the Mangrove Forest Ecosystem for Ecotourism Development in Pasar Rawa Village, Gebang District, Langkat Regency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63639/3qc5tj94Keywords:
Mangrove Ecosystem, Ecotourism, Ecological Suitability, Carrying Capacity, CoastAbstract
Mangrove ecosystems provide essential ecological functions in coastal areas, including shoreline protection, biodiversity support, and opportunities for sustainable tourism development. Pasar Rawa Village in Gebang District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, has mangrove resources that can be developed as an ecotourism destination. However, the utilization of these resources requires an assessment of ecological suitability, environmental capacity, and community support to ensure sustainable management. This study aims to identify the potential resources of the mangrove ecosystem, evaluate ecological suitability for ecotourism development, analyze tourism carrying capacity, and examine community perceptions toward mangrove ecotourism in the study area. This research employed a descriptive method using qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected through field observations, vegetation measurements, and interviews with local residents and visitors. Purposive sampling was used to determine observation stations based on variations in mangrove conditions such as vegetation density, substrate type, and accessibility. Data analysis included mangrove vegetation density analysis, ecological suitability index assessment, carrying capacity calculations, and descriptive analysis of community perceptions. The results show that the mangrove ecosystem in the study area consists of five dominant species: Rhizophora spp., Avicennia spp., Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Sonneratia alba, and Apiculata spp., with vegetation density ranging from 12 to 22 individuals per 100 m². Ecological suitability analysis indicates that two locations are highly suitable, three locations are conditionally suitable, and one location is unsuitable for ecotourism development. Community responses show positive support for mangrove ecotourism development, indicating strong potential for sustainable ecotourism in Pasar Rawa Village
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