Valuation of Mangrove in Kupang Bay, West Timor, Indonesia (A Case Study of Bipolo Village)

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Mangrove in Bipolo Village, located on Kupang Bay, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), is part of the ecosystem of the Marine Tourism Park of Kupang Bay established by Decree of the Minister of Forestry of Indonesia No. 18/Kpts-II/1993. A critical question that needs to be addressed regarding the value of mangrove resources. This study has analyzed various aspects of mangrove conversion to salt pond, especially the economic value of mangrove based on market prices for the various outputs. This study used accidental sampling to collect information regarding the benefits (products and services) produced by mangrove for people who have socio-economic (livelihood) activities along the bay coastline. Purposive sampling was used to collect information from the investors and laborers in the salt pond industry regarding the technical details of the salt industry salt production.
METHODS:This study analyses (i) the types and components of input and output for salt production, (ii) the value of mangrove utilization based upon production volume and Market Price/ha/year, (iii) the value of mangrove wood, (iv) the recapitulation of type and direct benefit of mangrove resources, (v) the value of physical function of indirect use of mangrove, and (vi) the total economic.
FINDINGS:The results of the research show that (i) the values indicate that natural resources and the envi-ronment need a higher level of appreciation, and (ii) the total economic value of mangrove vegetation in Bipolo Village, which reaches IDR374,731,172/ha/year or US $ 25,622/ha/year, could be considered as the compensation fee paid by commercial industries that convert mangrove vegetation for commercial purposes.
CONCLUSION: This compensation fee could benefit the local authority for mangrove restoration projects.