Pari Island, Thousand Islands, July 27, 2024 – Responding to the persistent issue of low community awareness regarding sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism management, a dedicated community service team from Jakarta State University (UNJ) successfully conducted an intensive training program on mangrove distribution mapping in Pari Island.

The activity, targeted the management of Community Unit (RW) 04 in Pari Island, Thousand Islands, with the aim of boosting local participation in developing sustainable ecotourism.

Bridging the Gap in Environmental Stewardship

The initiative utilized a dissemination method followed by a practical workshop on creating mangrove distribution maps. This approach is deemed crucial as strong community engagement is the foundation for effective and sustainable tourism development, particularly in an ecologically sensitive area like the Thousand Islands.

"The core issue is strengthening the community's sense of ownership and care toward their environment," stated the team leader. "By teaching them to map and monitor their own mangrove resources, we are providing them with a powerful tool for conservation and sustainable tourism planning."

Key Findings from the Field Survey

The on-site activity provided valuable data regarding the health and biodiversity of the island's mangrove ecosystems across different locations:

Observation PointMangrove Species (Dominant)Area/DiameterDensityBiodiversity LevelBintang Beach (West Pari)Rhizophora and Avicennia36 m² area72% (Healthy)High. Healthy conditions, observed fauna include sea stars, climbing purple crabs, and small fish. Unique features: natural white sand and tidal areas. Pasir Perawan Beach 1 (North-Northeast Pari)Rhizophora MucronataNot specified6% (Very Low)Very Low. Only 4 habitat-forming plant species found: crabs, clams, gastropods, and hermit crabs. Observation Point 2 (Pansir Perawan)Not specified28 meters (average diameter)Not specifiedDiverse. Located in a tidal zone with varied marine life.

The findings suggest a stark difference in ecosystem health between the well-preserved (or cultivated) environment at Bintang Beach and the highly degraded area at Pasir Perawan Beach (Point 1). The high density and diverse fauna at Bintang Beach underscores the potential for responsible eco-tourism development, while the low density at Pasir Perawan highlights an urgent need for rehabilitation.

Empowering Local Planning

By equipping local RW 04 administrators with the skills to create and interpret these maps, the UNJ team ensures that future tourism development plans will be based on accurate and current ecological data. This local capacity building is key to fostering truly environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism on Pari Island. The maps will serve as a foundational instrument for zoning, conservation efforts, and visitor management.