Evaluation of mangrove area and density changes in the North Rupat Regional Marine Reserve Conservation Area, Riau, Indonesia

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems in coastal regions provide vital ecological, protective, and socio-economic benefits. This study analyzes mangroves' spatial distribution and density changes in the North Rupat Regional Marine Reserve Conservation Area (KKPD), Riau, Indonesia, over 34 years (1989-2023). The research utilized Landsat satellite imagery with Random Forest classification methods and applied Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) calculations to categorize mangrove canopy density. An innovative mathematical approach assessed changes in mangrove distribution and density. Results show a decrease in mangrove area from 10,822.84 hectares in 1989 to 10,613.38 hectares in 2023. Canopy density analysis reveals dominance of stable low-density areas (4,311.27 hectares) and significant degradation (3,651.57 hectares). NDVI analysis demonstrates a drastic degradation in mangrove quality, with mean NDVI values dropping from 0.309873 in 1989 to -0.03113 in 2023, indicating severe vegetation stress. Complex change patterns and succession followed by degradation indicate mangrove ecosystem dynamics influenced by natural and anthropogenic factors. This research highlights the importance of targeted conservation strategies and long-term monitoring for sustainable mangrove management in the North Rupat KKPD.