Dynamics of seagrass area based on blue carbon spatial model at Kaledupa Island waters, Wakatobi National Park (WNP)

Seagrass is a crucial coastal resource that provides a range of ecosystem services, notably its function as a CO2 absorber, which plays a significant role in mitigating carbon emissions into the atmosphere. “This study analyzes the dynamics of blue carbon parameters in seagrass based on changes in benthic habitat area in the waters of Kaledupa Island for 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2017, with predictions extending to 2030. Utilizing secondary data and Landsat satellite imagery for benthic habitat classification, the analysis employed InVEST spatial modeling software to assess carbon parameter dynamics. Results show that the coastal ecosystem in Kaledupa remains healthy, with seagrass and coral reefs dominating over rubble and sand. Seagrass carbon stock increased from 482.42 tCO2 eq ha⁻¹ in 1990 to 619.715 tCO2 eq ha⁻¹ in 2017. Changes in seagrass area have significantly impacted carbon parameters, including stock, absorption, accumulation, and emissions through 2030.