Ecological Suitability and Environmental Carrying Capacity Analysis for Sustainable Mangrove Ecotourism Development in Tungkal 1 Village, Jambi Province

Abstract

Introduction: Mangrove ecosystems provide essential ecological, economic, and social functions along tropical coasts. In Tungkal 1 Village, West Tanjung Jabung Regency, Jambi, two mangrove areas, Pangkal Babu and Kelapa Beach, have been developed as ecotourism destinations since 2019 and 2023, respectively, with visitor numbers rising from 180 in 2020 to 22,609 in 2023 at Pangkal Babu alone. Uncontrolled visitation without prior suitability and capacity assessment risks damaging the very ecosystem that sustains the tourism activity. Objective: This study analyzed the tourism suitability and visitor carrying capacity of both mangrove ecotourism areas. Method: Primary data on mangrove thickness, density, species composition, tidal range, and associated fauna were collected using 100–120 m line transects across three stations at Kelapa Beach and four at Pangkal Babu, then analyzed with the Tourism Suitability Index (IKW) and Carrying Capacity (DDK) formulas of Yulianda (2019). Results and Discussion: Kelapa Beach obtained an IKW of 1.75 (Not Suitable), limited mainly by its 121 m mangrove thickness, while Pangkal Babu obtained 2.76 (Very Suitable), supported by 669 m thickness, 338 ind/100 m² density, and ten mangrove species. Carrying capacity reached 200 visitors/day at Kelapa Beach and 255 visitors/day at Pangkal Babu, with mangrove tracking contributing the largest share at both sites (63% and 74.5%). Conclusions: Pangkal Babu is ecologically ready for intensified, capacity-bound ecotourism development, whereas Kelapa Beach requires mangrove rehabilitation before further tourism expansion