Analysis of Mangrove Forest Cover in Bontang City of East Kalimantan Province Using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems, commonly found in tropical states like Indonesia, are famous for their robust root systems that facilitate their survival in tidal habitats. Notwithstanding the importance and variety of mangroves, some 637,000 hectares, or 10-33 percent of Indonesia’s total mangrove area, have seen degradation and alteration in recent decades. The development of effective mangrove forest management strategies requires the backing of precise data and information. This research uses geographic information systems and remote sensing technologies to delineate mangrove forest cover according to stand density. The research site was chosen in Bontang City, East Kalimantan Province, to facilitate the analysis of Sentinel 2 satellite images via the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index method. The research findings indicated three NDVI classifications representing mangrove vegetation density: low density including 72,039 hectares (3%), medium density covering 209,044 hectares (9%), and high density spanning 2,119,287 hectares (88%). This study assists policymakers when creating sustainable management and restoration strategies for mangrove forests based on vegetation density.