Economic valuation of mangrove ecosystem in Cilamaya Wetan, Karawang, West Java

Cilamaya Wetan has 738 hectares (ha) mangrove forest which provides real functions and benefits to the local community ecologically, physically and economically. The ecosystem is typically crucial, hence the benefits and values need to be identifed and estimated economically. The purpose of this study was to estimate the economic value as the basis of the conservation program. Research on economic valuation was conducted in March-May 2019. The method was applied to estimate total economic value (TEV) consisted of direct-use value (fuelwood collection, seed collection, and nearby fishing activities); indirect-use value (natural barrier to shoreline erosion, food source for animal and carbon potency for sequestering CO2), option value (biodiversity benefits), and existence value (willingness to pay). Results showed that the TEV of mangrove ecosystem in Cilamaya Wetan per year accounted for 419 billion rupiah or equivalent to IDR 568,067,635/ha/year or equivalent to 39,753 USD/ha/year.