SUITABILITY AND CARRYING CAPACITY OF MANGROVE ECOTOURISM IN KAMPUNG NIPAH, SEI NAGALAWAN VILLAGE, NORTH SUMATRA

Mangrove ecosystems are highly vulnerable to damage, making their conservation crucial. The development of mangrove ecotourism serves as an approach to utilizing ecosystem services sustainably without causing harm. Ecotourism in mangrove ecosystems is beneficial as it synergizes with conservation efforts to protect the ecosystems. This study aims to assess the suitability and carrying capacity of mangrove ecotourism in Kampung Nipah, Sei Nagalawan Village of North Sumatra. The research was conducted in July 2023 within the mangrove ecotourism area of Kampung Nipah. The research location was selected using the purposive sampling method, consisting of three stations. Primary ecological data were collected through the transect method. The descriptive method was applied to analyze the tourism suitability index (TSI) and the spatial carrying capacity (SCC). The results indicate that the TSI values for the three substations were 1.97, 1.87, and 1.87 out of 3, while the SCC (carrying capacity) was 200 people per day. Based on these findings, the mangrove ecotourism area in Kampung Nipah, Sei Nagalawan Village, is conditionally suitable for tourism. The following recommendations can be implemented to expand the mangrove area to increase ecosystem thickness and maintain a visitor quota system to regulate tourist numbers and ensure sustainability.