FORMULATION OF SEAGRASS MEADOW MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN SEMUJUR ISLAND, CENTRAL BANGKA, USING DAPSIR-QSPM METHOD

• Main Author: Devin Gouw, Amadeus
• Format: Theses
• Language: Indonesia
• Subjects: Ilmu hayati ; Biologi
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/79992
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

The lack of attention and management efforts directed towards seagrass beds poses a significant challenge to seagrass conservation, particularly in Southeast Asia. When planning for ecosystem management, a hybrid method that integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches allows for a more comprehensive and in-depth analysis. However, these hybrid methods are often too complex and impractical when applied in locations with limited data and information. Simpler methods are mostly based on the SWOT (Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) approach, such as the SWOT-QSPM (Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix), which has been criticized for being overly simplistic and reductive. We propose the DAPSIR model (Drivers-Activities-Pressures-State-Impacts-Responses) as a potential alternative to SWOT and be combined with QSPM to form the DAPSIR-QSPM method. Semujur Island in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province, Indonesia, represents the typical condition of seagrass beds in Southeast Asia, being directly affected by human activities, located outside any designated Marine Conservation Area (MPA), and currently lacking a formal management plan. Therefore, there is an urgency to formulate a management plan for this site. This research aims to apply the proposed DAPSIR-QSPM method to formulate a future management plan for the case of Semujur Island. In this study, the perceptions, knowledge, and participation of the local community in the utilization and management of seagrass beds, as well as external factors influencing the condition of seagrass beds, are considered as decision-making factors. Structured interviews were conducted with local community members to investigate social aspects, including perceptions, knowledge, and local community participation in seagrass bed management. Semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders and direct field observations were conducted to explore external factors relevant to the condition of seagrass beds. The DAPSIR model was created to analyze the relationships between these factors. Using information from the DAPSIR model and structured interview results, QSPM was employed to select the most suitable alternatives quantitatively. This research reveals that although local community members are generally aware of the existence of seagrass beds, they have not fully realized the value and importance of these beds beyond their provisioning services. Participation in seagrass bed management is currently limited, with the only regular management being sporadic beach clean-ups carried out by community members. Sixteen factors were identified to influence the condition of seagrass beds, with major factors including the presence of several protected species, mining activities near the island, involvement of various stakeholders, high tourism potential, and a lack of clear management efforts. Based on these factors, long-term monitoring programs and/or research were calculated as priority strategies for site management. Despite some limitations that need to be addressed, the DAPSIR-QSPM method provides a more suitable alternative to SWOT-based methods, especially in cases where comprehensive data is not available.