Ecological Analysis of Mangroves and Seagrasses on Large and Small Islands: Environmental Factors, Biodiversity, and Ecosystem Services

Year 2025, Volume: 12 Issue: 2, 72 - 79, 30.06.2025

Ummu Salma , Stefanie Jessica Henny Larasati

Abstract

Mangrove and seagrass ecosystems are essential for coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. However, their structure and function vary between large and small islands, influencing their stability and resilience. Larger islands typically support higher biodiversity and more complex ecosystem interactions, while smaller islands face greater environmental vulnerability due to limited resources and higher exposure to climate change impacts. This study examines how island size affects the dynamics of mangrove and seagrass ecosystems, emphasizing differences in biodiversity, carbon storage, and susceptibility to anthropogenic pressures. Degradation from land conversion, pollution, and climate change threatens ecosystem services, reducing coastal resilience and carbon sequestration capacity. Conservation strategies, including policy reinforcement, community-based management, and adaptive restoration, are crucial to mitigating these threats. Strengthening governance, promoting sustainable financing, and advancing research on climate adaptation will enhance ecosystem management. Future efforts should prioritize site-specific conservation approaches to account for geographic and ecological variations, ensuring the long-term sustainability of mangrove and seagrass ecosystems in different island environments.

Keywords

Carbon Sequestration , Coastal Resilience , Anthropogenic Impact , Conservation Strategies , Climate Adaptation

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