Impacts of changes in mangrove ecosystems in the Ba and Rewa deltas, Fiji using multi-temporal Landsat data and social survey

Abstract

Despite the expected importance, the changes in mangrove ecosystems and the main causes in Fiji have not been well addressed. To address the issues, we collected data from multiple sources to assess mangrove ecosystem variation due to both natural factors and human impacts in the Ba and Rewa deltas, Fiji. Landsat satellite data were used to map the land use and cover of the study area from 2000 to 2020. Questionnaire surveys were conducted to identify the main uses of mangroves that could influence mangrove ecosystems. Over the period investigated, the mangrove area increased by 572 ha (by 12%) in Ba and decreased by 697 ha (by 9%) in Rewa. The social survey revealed that 45% of respondents in the Ba delta and 20% in the Rewa delta visited the mangrove area daily in search of food resources. The net annual economic loss and lost functioning of mangroves as an anthropogenic CO 2 reservoir caused by mangrove degradation in the two deltas were estimated to be 335,000 USD and 202 t-C, respectively. Because local livelihoods are strongly linked with mangroves, the outcomes of this study will provide preliminary information for policy interventions to ensure the sustainability of the mangrove ecosystem.

Sustainable Development of Mangrove Ecosystem Policy in South Sulawesi from the Perspectives of Siyāsah and Fiqh al-Bi’ah

“…This is because, in the context of sustainable development, both developed and developing countries need to implement policies that promote economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being in resource decision-making (Razzaque, 2017). In addition, by observing the livelihoods of local communities which are closely related to mangrove forests, the results of research like this will provide initial information for policy interventions to ensure the sustainability of the mangrove ecosystem (Avtar et al, 2021). Thus, this research can serve as one of the considerations in formulating policies for more effective mangrove ecosystem management.…”

“…The issues arising from the utilization of mangrove ecosystems as a livelihood, such as the low awareness of the community, manifested through household waste disposal, exploitation, and exploration, are significant concerns (Vincentius, 2022). Furthermore, the phenomenon of increasing environmental crises has given rise to various disasters that pose a threat to human life (Avtar et al, 2021;Hanum et al, 2023;Prasetyaningsih et al, 2022;Suryani & Chasan, 2017). Therefore, it is deemed necessary to explore the benefits of sustainable mangrove ecosystem management and development policies.…”

“…Secondly, T 368 ║ JURIS (Jurnal Ilmiah Syariah), 22 (2), 2023 the management of mangrove ecosystems is assessed from an economic perspective (Aheto et al, 2016;Alam et al, 2022;Carandang et al, 2013;Mallick et al, 2021) including ecotourism (Nesha Dushani et al, 2023). Thirdly, the management and policy framework for mangrove ecosystem governance through government involvement (Arifanti et al, 2022;Asyiawati & Hindersah, 2020;Chamberland-Fontaine et al, 2022) certainly, the policy pertaining to the management and development of mangrove ecosystems (Asihing, 2014;Avtar et al, 2021;Mondal et al, 2021;Sunyowati et al, 2017;Swardhana & Jenvitchuwong, 2023). However, from the existing research, there has been no examination regarding the policies for the management and development of mangrove ecosystems from a religious perspective, particularly within the context of siyāsah and fiqh al-bi 'ah, grounded in maslahah (public interest).…”

Short Communication: Structure and composition of mangrove vegetation in Lembar bay area, West Lombok District, Indonesia

“…This research will provide information on the composition of the species and the grouping of mangrove communities to be used in planning for the conservation of mangrove forest areas in Lembar Subdistrict. The current condition of the mangrove vegetation structure can be used to determine the effect of ecosystem changes that occur as a result of the management actions taken (Avtar et al 2021;Hanggara et al 2021;Rajkaran 2011;Tetelepta et al 2020). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the structure and composition of the mangrove vegetation in the Lembar bay area, West Lombok.…”

Evaluating Carbon Stocks in a Tropical Urban Mangrove Forest, Suva, Fiji

“…Notably, dead tree biomass rose only 3.4 percent, underscoring the hardiness of mangrove forests to weather cyclone events. In a survey by Avtar et al (2021), residents on the Ba River Delta noted how the mangrove forest regenerated quickly, following Category 5 storm, TC Winston in 2016, one of the strongest storms ever recorded to make landfall in the southern hemisphere, with sustained wind speeds of 230 km/h.…”