An integrated strategy for the sustainable development of mangrove ecosystems in the Mamminasata coastal area, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

The development of mangrove ecosystem potential plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological and economic functions of coastal areas. Although the potential is great, the utilization of mangrove ecosystems in the coastal areas of South Sulawesi has not been optimal due to conflicting interests among stakeholders; therefore, this study aims to formulate the most effective priority strategies for sustainably integrating the management of biodiversity, food security, and mangrove-based creative economy in the Mamminasata region. This development of potential encompasses biodiversity, food security, and the creative economy, thereby strongly supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The strategy was formulated using observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs) through a participatory rural appraisal (PRA) approach, which was chosen specifically for its ability to integrate local knowledge and facilitate the active involvement of various stakeholders including fishermen and women’s groups in the strategy formulation process. A diverse range of stakeholder groups participated, including academics, local government officials, fishermen’s and farmers’ groups and their leaders, NGOs, women’s groups, community leaders, businesspeople, media representatives, and other individuals in the mangrove area who were actively involved. Purposive sampling was used to ensure a representative sample. The analysis was conducted thoroughly, combining the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) technique and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to achieve a comprehensive evaluation. Based on this analysis, the following key strategies were identified: (1) Enforcing and implementing South Sulawesi Provincial Regulation No. 4 of 2023 on the sustainable management and development of mangrove ecosystems; (2) Protecting the biodiversity of mangrove ecosystems through conservation efforts and law enforcement; (3) Pioneering and developing food products based on mangrove fruits and other mangrove resources through training and the use of simple technologies (e.g., solar dryers and simple vacuum packaging) for community groups and home-based industries; (4) Developing the community’s creative economy through culinary tourism featuring processed mangrove fruits and sustainable eco-educational marine tourism. All of these strategic priorities were derived with a combined consistency ratio (CR) of 0.06 (below the threshold of 0.10) and a sufficiently strong level of consensus among stakeholder groups (Kendall’s W = 0.71; p < 0.05), indicating the reliability of the prioritization process. These findings are perceptual in nature, derived from participatory stakeholder assessments, and do not constitute ecological field measurements.