Community Participation in Mangrove Conservation and Ecosystem Assessment in Tanjung Rejo, Indonesia

Mangrove forests located in the intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical areas exhibit distinct characteristics and offer a range of potential advantages for human life. These mangroves should be conserved for sustainability. Therefore, the local community should participate in mangrove forest management to get the benefits directly. This study searched for to (1) identify the mangrove forest ecosystem and (2) analyze the level of participation along with the factors influencing community involvement in the management of mangrove areas. This investigation was carried out in Tanjung Rejo Village, located in the Percut Sei Tuan District of North Sumatera, Indonesia. Data collection involved conducting vegetation analysis and interviews, employing the census method with a total of 55 respondents who were affiliated with KTH (forest farmer group) Bakti Nyata and KTH Pantai Panglima. The findings indicated the presence of 10 mangrove species in Tanjung Rejo Village, which include Avicennia alba, Avicennia marina, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Bruguiera parviflora, Bruguiera hainesii, Excoecaria agallocha, Luminitzera racemosa, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora stylosa, and Scyphiphora hydrophllacea. A. marina emerged as the predominant species across all demographic stages, while L. racemose was identified as the least prevalent species among saplings and trees. The level of community participation was substantial, this was supported by the formation of several forest farmer groups in villages such as KTH Pantai Panglima and KTH Bakti Nyata. Age and education factors influenced community participation in managing mangrove areas in Tanjung Rejo Village, Percut Sei Tuan District, North Sumatra, Indonesia.