The impact of nickel mining on vegetation cover in a small island: a case study in Manuran Island, Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Abstract

The exploitation of small islands (less than 2000 km²) for mining can negatively impact vegetation conditions, as observed on Manuran Island in West Papua Province. This study aimed to assess the environmental impact of mining on Manuran Island by analyzing spatial and temporal changes in vegetation indices using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and classifying land cover using Landsat 7 ETM and Landsat 8 OLI satellite imagery. The NDVI classification grouped four land cover types: non-vegetation, open soil, sparse vegetation, and moderate vegetation. The analysis revealed a significant increase in non-vegetation land cover from 2002 to 2015, indicating a direct impact from mining activities. However, between 2015 and 2025, the area classified as non-vegetation decreased gradually. Conversely, open soil and sparse vegetation declined notably from 2002 to 2015, followed by a minor decrease in the subsequent period. In contrast, moderate vegetation steadily increased from 2002 to 2025, suggesting a recovery of vegetation. To accelerate environmental and vegetation recovery, several revegetation strategies, including reclamation, selection of native and pioneer species, and soil improvement techniques, are recommended. The findings of this study suggest that the reduction in mining activity intensity on Manuran Island has contributed positively to ecosystem recovery and that direct interventions are needed to accelerate environmental recovery.