Investigation of Mangrove Biomass Potential in Indragiri Hilir Wetlands, Indonesia

Abstract

This study investigated the distribution of mangrove vegetation in the wetland area of Indragiri Hilir, Indonesia; and calculated the potential of the mangrove biomass through satellite image interpretation data, using Geographic Information System (GIS), combined with the field survey investigation (ground truth). It was identified that the mangrove area within this wetland was 118.747 ha with the biomass potential was approximately 41,648,651 ton. The majority of vegetation wereBakau (Rhizophoraapiculata) 38%, Nyirih (Xylocarpusgranatum) 19%, and Tumu (Bruguierasexangula) 13%. The degradation of the mangrove area was approximately at the rate of 5,000 ha/year (2010-2013). Hence, there is a need to conserve mangrove vegetation as natural defenses/green belts in order to protect coastal area and to adapt to the climate change.