A remote sensing-based analysis of mangrove vegetation density and damage levels for coastal ecosystem management

Background: Mangrove ecosystems play an important role in the balance of the coastal environment but are degraded due to human activities and natural factors. This study aims to analyze the level of damage to mangrove vegetation in Paguyaman Pantai Subdistrict using a remote sensing approach. Methods: This research uses Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2 satellite imagery data, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) method to identify the level of vegetation density. Findings: The results showed that the total area of mangroves in this area is 436.16 Ha, with a classification of high density (248.56 Ha), medium (174.23 ha), and low (13.36 Ha). Damage to the mangrove ecosystem in Paguyaman Pantai District is not significant, because most areas are still dominated by high-density mangroves and overall, the mangrove ecosystem in this area remains in good condition and continues to play a role in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems. Conclusion: Field validation results show that mangroves in this area consist of six main species, namely Rhizophora stylosa, Sonneratia alba, Ceriops tagal, Ceriops decandra, Bruguiera cylindrica, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza. Novelty/Originality of this Study: The novelty of this study lies in its application of remote sensing techniques to assess mangrove vegetation density, providing a comprehensive spatial analysis that supports conservation efforts and sustainable management.