Local people and mangroves: Ecosystem perception and valuation on the south west coast of Mauritius

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystem services are multi-dimensional (ecological, socio-cultural and economic), and their valuation is complex as not all of these dimensions are quantifiable in terms of monetary value. The main goal of this study was to determine the perception of local residents on the economic values of the mangrove ecosystem along the south west coast of Mauritius (Savanne and Black River Districts). A survey questionnaire (Savanne district, N=142; Black River district, N=126) was designed electronically in English and Mauritian Creole language using dichotomous, multiple choices and closed ended questions. The mean value for the awareness score was 52.3 and the standard deviation was 4.8 for the district of Savanne as compared to Black River district, where the mean value was 53.8 and the standard deviation was 9.0. The mangrove products harvested by locals from the surveyed sites were fish, crabs and oysters. The respondents were less willing to contribute to mangrove conservation activities both in terms of money (Savanne district, 4.2 %; Black River district, 3.9 %), and time (Savanne district, 7 %; Black River district, 4 %). Hence, campaigns and education programmes are critical to raise the awareness and concern of local residents to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Mauritius.

Study of the Potential of Mangrove Areas to Support Ecotourism in Mangunharjo Village, Tugu District, Semarang

“…Community knowledge and understanding of the economic value of mangrove tourism is needed, so that they can participate. Abib and Appadoo (2021) added that campaigns and education are needed to increase awareness of mangrove ecosystem protection. Rianto et al (2021)stated that tourism with the concept of ecotourism with a community-based ecotourism model can contribute or positive benefits to community empowerment and can be used as a vehicle or tool to empower…”

Dependency on mangroves ecosystem services is modulated by socioeconomic drivers and socio-ecological changes – insights from an insular biodiversity hotspot

“…More recently, a study on the perceptions of local communities on mangroves and their associated ecosystem services in the South-West of Mauritius, revealed little to no direct dependence on mangrove products (Abib & Appadoo, 2021). However, the study identi ed strong importance associated to recreational activities and cultural services, suggesting that coastal communities have high cultural values for mangroves.…”