Economic valuation of ecosystem services in the Luppung Mangrove Forest, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Sribianti I, Muthmainnah, Hikmah, Nirwana, Hasanuddin, Khair M. 2025. Economic valuation of ecosystem services in the Luppung Mangrove Forest, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Asian J For 9: 322-331. Mangrove ecosystems are globally recognized for their critical ecological and economic functions, but remain vulnerable to degradation. This study quantifies the Total Economic Value (TEV) of provisioning, regulating, and supporting ecosystem services provided by the Luppung Mangrove Forest in Bulukumba District, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, using benefit transfer, market price, and replacement cost methods. Using a structured TEV framework, we gathered data through field surveys, structured interviews, and secondary sources. To figure out the value of these services, we looked at several approaches like market prices, replacement costs, and benefit transfers, while being mindful of some limitations and possible overlaps in our methods. According to our research, the Luppung ecosystem in the mangrove area has an estimated annual economic value of approximately USD 10,899.40 ha-¹ year-¹. Provisioning services, which consist of timber, firewood, seeds, and some medicinal bark, contributed USD 2,656.63 ha-¹ year-¹. Regulating services, which include shoreline protection, prevention of seawater intrusion, and carbon sequestration, contributed USD 2,033.82 ha-¹ year-¹. These findings underscore the substantial economic contribution of mangrove resources to local livelihoods and coastal protection. Integrating these values into local development and conservation planning could support more sustainable management through Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), establish protected areas for conservation, and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) strategies.