Abdul Malik, Muhammad Ichsan Ali, Abdul Rasyid Jalil, Abdul Mannan, Rahma Musyawarah
Mangrove ecosystems support biodiversity, protect coastal areas, and provide sustainable livelihoods. However, they face significant threats from deforestation and unsustainable land use practices. This study examines the viability of the payments for ecosystem services (PES) programs in promoting sustainable mangrove tourism in Tongke-Tongke Village, Sinjai District, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. We collected data through household surveys, semi-structured stakeholder interviews, and tourist questionnaires to evaluate the economic value of mangrove tourism and tourists’ willingness to pay (WTP) for conservation. Analytical methods included quantitative descriptive analysis, thematic analysis, travel cost analysis, and contingent valuation method. The results indicated strong community support, with 70.00% of respondents acknowledging sustainable mangrove tourism's economic, environmental, and cultural benefits. Economic estimates revealed that mangrove tourism generated 943.00 USD/(hm2•a), while tourists’ WTP for conservation ranged from 0.21 to 0.56 USD/(person⋅month), contributing approximately 11.39 USD/(hm2•a). Despite challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, socioeconomic disparities, and land privatization, this study advocates for integrating the PES programs, enhancing governance frameworks, and fostering local community engagement to ensure equitable benefit distribution and maximize the potential of mangrove tourism. These strategies aim to bolster conservation efforts, improve local livelihoods, and strengthen the resilience of mangrove ecosystems. © 2025 Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Department of Geography, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, State University of Makassar, Makassar, 90224, Indonesia; Department of Civil Engineering and Planning Education, Faculty of Engineering, State University of Makassar, Makassar, 90224, Indonesia; Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Marine Science and Fishery, University of Hasanuddin, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia
