Assessing the Carrying Capacity of Mangrove Ecosystems for Sustainable EcotourismDevelopment in Pangandaran, Indonesia

The sustainability of mangrove ecotourism is greatly influenced by an area's physical, real, and practical carrying capacity (ECC).Therefore, this study aims to evaluate and compare the physical carrying capacity (PCC), real carrying capacity (RCC), and adequate carrying capacity (ECC) in Bojongsalawe, Bulaksetra, and Batukaras.The study procedures were conducted using a mixed quantitative and qualitative method with direct observation in the field.Assessment was performed by integrating biophysical parameters, ecological constraints, and management capacity.The results showed that although the 3 locations had high PCC, the ECC value was lower due to limited management personnel and ecosystem sensitivity.In Batukaras, the actual visits exceeded all calculated thresholds, showing overcapacity conditions and threats to environmental sustainability.The current study emphasized the importance of zoning strategies, visit restriction policies, increasing management capacity, and community-based conservation.Further studies are recommended to use a GIS-based spatial approach and more comprehensive socio-ecological indicators.