Decadal Changes in Mangrove Canopy Cover and Carbon Stock in Jati Papak, Alas Purwo National Park, Integrating Satellite and Ground-Check Approaches:

Abstract

This study aims to analyze changes in canopy cover and carbon stocks of mangrove ecosystems using satellite imagery and compares these findings with direct measurements. The research focuses on Pangpang Bay, Jati Papak, in Alas Purwo National Park (TNAP), utilizing Landsat-8 (2014) and Sentinel-2 Level 2A (2024) imagery. Methods include collecting satellite image data, pre-processing data with a maximum cloud cover limit of 10%, analyzing canopy changes using the NDVI index and Random Forest algorithm, and carbon stocks estimation using InVEST software. Ground-check data was collected from five stations using transect method to verify satellite-derived estimates and assess above-ground biomass and carbon stocks. Results revealed that there were three phases of vegetation growth in Jati Papak: seedlings, saplings with varying dominant species across phases. Seedlings and trees were dominated by Rhizophora spp., while saplings were primarily Ceriops tagal. The ecosystem had low diversity level (Margalef Diversity Index 0 - 1.67). Satellite-delivered images showed an increase in canopy cover from 89.9 ha (2014) to 91.9 ha (2024), and in carbon stocks from 21461.85 ton C/ha (2014) to 24718.60 ton C/ha (2024). Ground-check measurement of above ground carbon stock yielded 77.65 ton C/ha, predominantly contributed by Rhizophora spp. This study highlights the potential of integrating satellite-based and ground-based methods to monitor mangrove ecosystems in order to evaluate carbon stocks and ecosystem health.