Assessment of potential and challenges for sustainable resource utilization in the Biawak Island conservation area, Indramayu, West Java

Abstract

Biawak Island, located in Indramayu Regency, West Java, features a significant coastal ecosystem, including mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. This area has been designated as a Regional Marine Conservation Area (RMCA) due to its high natural resource potential. However, the main issues faced are the degradation of mangrove ecosystems and the lack of sustainable management practices. This study aims to analyze the condition of mangrove, coral reef, and seagrass ecosystems on Biawak Island and evaluate the area's suitability for nature-based ecotourism development. Data collection was conducted through field surveys in August 2024, employing the sample plot method for mangroves, the Underwater Photo Transect (UPT) method for coral reefs, and the quadrat transect method for seagrass. The results indicate that the mangrove ecosystem on Biawak Island is dominated by Rhizophora apiculata (64%), while the coral reef ecosystem shows a live coral cover of 65.3%, reflecting relatively healthy conditions. On the other hand, the seagrass ecosystem demonstrates a very low density, only 5%, dominated by the species Enhalus acoroides (Linnaeus f.) Royle, 1839. Tourism suitability analysis reveals that the area holds potential for development as a marine ecotourism destination, although challenges in ecosystem management must be addressed to achieve sustainability. This study highlights the importance of further research on management challenges to support conservation and the sustainable development of ecotourism on Biawak Island.