Community perceptions on and participation in mangrove protection efforts for climate change in Pannikiang Island, South Sulawesi

Abstract

Knowledge, understanding, and participation of the community regarding mangrove protection are important components in supporting climate change mitigation. This study aimed to determine the levels of community perception of and participation in mangrove protection for climate change mitigation in Pannikiang Island, Barru Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Fourteen of household heads were selected using a saturation sampling method and interviewed based on a questionnaire. A Likert scale and correlation analyses were implemented to determine the level of perception and participation of the community (low, medium, and high) as well as influencing factors. The results showed that the level of all community respondent perceptions (100%) was in the medium category (average score of 16.28), while for a majority (64.29%) their participation rate was in the high category (average score of 21.50). Length of stay was the main factor influencing respondent perception followed by income, while government roles in mangrove protection were the primary factor affecting respondent participation. Improving the knowledge and understanding of the community can be a viable option in mangrove protection efforts related to climate change.