Abdul Malik, Muhammad Ichsan Ali, Abd. Rahim, Abd. Rasyid Jalil, Andi Rahmawati, Muhammad Dzaky Hurairah Malik, Muhammad Alif Kamaruddin, Muhammad Fadhil Fayyadh Surakhmad
Mangrove ecosystems contribute substantially to carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and local livelihoods but face increasing threats from coastal development and climate change. This study addresses the primary research question: What is the economic value of mangrove blue carbon in Barru Regency, South Sulawesi, and how does the local community’s willingness to pay (WTP) compare with market-based valuations? Primary data were collected through household surveys of 300 purposively selected respondents from five coastal villages. Both market-based and non-market valuation approaches were applied. The market-based valuation utilized Indonesia’s carbon price (USD 4.5 per ton), while the non-market valuation employed the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) with a Single-Bound Dichotomous Choice (SBDC) model to estimate local (WTP). Results indicate a substantial market value of approximately USD 81 thousand for mangrove blue carbon, contrasted with a lower community WTP of about USD 1.63 thousand, reflecting differing perceptions of value and limited local financial capacity. These findings underscore the importance of enhancing community engagement and integrating ecological and economic perspectives to inform policy, facilitate investment, and foster sustainable mangrove conservation. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2026.
Department of Geography, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Makassar, South Sulawesi, Makassar, 90224, Indonesia; Department of Civil Engineering and Planning Education, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Makassar, South Sulawesi, Makassar, 90224, Indonesia; Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Negeri Makassar, South Sulawesi, Makassar, 90222, Indonesia; Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Marine Science and Fishery, Universitas Hasanuddin, South Sulawesi, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia; Department of Management Sciences, STIE Tri Dharma Nusantara, South Sulawesi, Makassar, 90223, Indonesia
