Socioecological Impact of Mangrove Ecosystem in Kupang Bay, West Timor, Indonesia

Abstract

Original Research Article This study aims to determine the socioecological impact of mangrove ecosystems on the coastal communities in Oesapa Village and Tanah Merah Village, Kupang Bay. The method used to retrieve data in this study is the method of observation and interviews. Socioecological data on the use of mangrove ecosystems were analyzed using descriptive analysis, then data on socioecological impacts of mangrove ecosystems were analyzed by chi-square test (X 2), while the relationship of socioecological impact of mangrove ecosystems on coastal communities in Kupang Bay was analyzed using simple correlation analysis. The results of this study indicate that the social impact of mangrove ecosystems on coastal communities in Kupang Bay is the use of mangroves as fuel and building materials, boat landing areas, fishing ground shells, crabs, and shrimp and mangrove ecotourism. Furthermore, the ecological impact of mangrove ecosystems on coastal communities in Kupang Bay consists of utilization as a coastal protector from wave or wave abrasion, spawning ground and nursery ground for fish, shrimp and shellfish seeds, sediment traps from the land, nutrient providers for life and growth biota, and a place for birds to nest. Chi-square test results showed that the mangrove ecosystem in Kupang Bay based on community perceptions, had no significant social impact (P>0.05) for the local community, but had significant ecological impact (P<0.05). However, there was a strong relationship (P>0.05) between the mangrove ecosystem and the socioecological impacts in Kupang Bay.