Struktur, Komposisi, dan Tingkat Kerusakan Hutan Mangrove di Desa Pasar Rawa (Studi Kasus Kelompok Tani Hutan Penghijauan Maju Bersama)

Abstract

Structure, composition, and damage level of forests serve as fundamental bases for policymaking and enriching management strategies aimed at the conservation of mangrove forests. Pasar Rawa Village in Langkat Regency represents a region with significant potential for mangrove forest management, characterized by an annually increasing mangrove area. The presence of the Penghijauan Maju Bersama Forest Farmer Group, a local community institution committed to mangrove conservation, exemplifies community-driven management efforts. This study aims to examine the structure, composition, and damage level of the mangrove forest in Pasar Rawa Village, focusing on the area managed by the Penghijauan Maju Bersama Forest Farmer Group. Utilizing vegetation analysis methods, the research identified mangrove species including Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora stylosa, Sonneratia alba, and Scyphiphora hydrophylacea. Among these, Rhizophora apiculata dominated all vegetation strata, exhibiting the highest Importance Value Index (IVI) of 195.09% at the tree stratum. The horizontal structure of the study site displayed an inverted "J" distribution pattern, whereas the vertical structure indicated vegetation presence only within strata C, D, and E. Assessment of mangrove forest damage revealed a classification of "Very Dense" with a total density value of 1,508 individuals per hectare. This research provides fundamental information to support sustainable mangrove forest conservation and management efforts.