Challenges and strategies for sustainable mangrove management to mitigate climate change in South Sulawesi Indonesia

Climate change poses a significant threat to coastal communities, particularly those that rely on mangrove
ecosystems for livelihoods and environmental services. This study addresses the urgent need for sustainable
mangrove management in South Sulawesi as a climate change mitigation strategy. The study aimed to analyze
the challenges and formulate strategic recommendations for sustainable mangrove forest management to mitigate
climate change in South Sulawesi. Data was collected through a comprehensive literature review and
structured interviews. The literature reviews involved a systematic collection and analysis of secondary data.
This included four government and institutional reports and 42 peer-reviewed articles published between 2011
and 2024. The approach involved identifying relevant studies, evaluating their quality, and synthesizing findings
to provide a comprehensive analytical perspective. Structured interviews using questionnaires were conducted
with 14 stakeholders, including representatives from a government agency, an environmental NGO, academics,
and community members, who were selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using
SWOT analysis by analyzing relevant factors in each SWOT category, measuring the level of importance, and
formulating strategies. The results highlight critical weaknesses, such as land conversion, lack of community
awareness, and climate change impacts. However, they also reveal opportunities for policy intervention and
community engagement. Strategic recommendations include strengthening enforcement and regulation, promoting community awareness and engagement, supporting alternative livelihoods, addressing climate change impacts through adaptive management and resilient infrastructure, i ncreasing financial support for mangrove management, and promoting research and data collection. These proposed strategies enhance mangrove conservation efforts, strengthen climate change resilience, and support sustainable livelihoods.