The potential development of ecotourism based on mangrove ecosystem in Ujung Pangkah of Gresik Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Ujung Pangkah mangrove ecosystem in the estuary of Bengawan Solo River is one of the mangrove ecosystems in East Java Province. In addition to its ecological functions, the presence of extensive mangrove forests with highly diversified fauna gives it the potential to be developed asa future tourism object. This study aimed to determine mangrove ecosystems for potential tourism development in Ujung Pangkah, Gresik Regency, East Java. The structure of the mangrove ecosystem was obtained by analyzing the mangrove vegetation, while land suitability and determination of suitable activity in mangrove area were obtained through multi-criteria analysis. According to the study, there were 7 species of mangrove found in Ujung Pangkah. Avecenia marina and Rhizophora apiculata were commonly found in the area. The type of ecotourism activities considered as very appropriate in the Ujung Pangkah mangrove area included jogging, specifically in Banyu Urip Village (84.52%), fishing in Pangkah Kulon Village (83.23%), and Pangkah Wetan Village (83.23%).