28 October 2025
Anonymous Writer
HUMAS FAHUTAN — The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), together with the Research and Development Agency (Balitbang) of Labuhanbatu Utara Regency, presented the latest study findings on strategies for managing mangrove ecosystems along the eastern coast of Labuhanbatu Utara. The presentation was held during a research seminar at the Ridho Yaman Hall, Labura Regent’s Office, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
The event was attended by Muhammad Ikhwan Lubis, S.T., M.T. (Assistant for Economy and Development of Labura Regency), Mahalenawaty Siregar, S.T., M.Si. (Head of Balitbang), Dr. Achmad Siddik Thoha, S.Hut., M.Si. (Lead Researcher, USU), Dewi Sartika Ritonga, S.E., M.M. (Head of Development, Innovation, and Technology Division), KPH V Aek Kanopan, Subdistrict Heads of Kualuh Hilir and Kualuh Leidong, and all village and urban village heads in both subdistricts.
Mangrove Area of 1,822 Ha, Yet Threatened by Erosion and Land Expansion
In his presentation, Dr. Achmad Siddik Thoha explained that the mangrove ecosystem in Labuhanbatu Utara covers 1,822 hectares, spread across Kualuh Leidong and Kualuh Hilir subdistricts. The largest mangrove area is in Tanjung Mangedar Village (1,074 ha), followed by Simandulang (308 ha) and Tanjung Leidong (207 ha). The vegetation is dominated by Avicennia marina, which plays a vital role in reducing coastal erosion and supporting coastal biodiversity.
However, this ecosystem faces significant pressure. Spatial analysis indicates that plantation expansion increased from 29,000 ha to 56,000 ha between 2006 and 2023. As a result, three coastal villages — Tanjung Leidong, Teluk Pulai Luar, and Tanjung Mangedar — experienced an average annual erosion rate of 2.16 meters, leading to the loss of 330 hectares of land. The total coastline affected by erosion now stretches over 42,479 meters.
Signs of Natural Recovery Emerging
Amid these pressures, the research team found evidence of natural recovery in several locations, especially in Pulau Burung. Mangrove vegetation in this area showed an increase in biomass of 517.24 Mg/ha and carbon stock of 258.62 Mg/ha, reaffirming the critical role of mangroves as carbon sinks in mitigating climate change.
To ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem, the USU Faculty of Forestry research team proposed three main strategies:
1. Rehabilitation and replanting of mangroves in high-erosion areas such as Simandulang and Teluk Pulai Luar.
2. Implementation of silvofishery systems, integrating aquaculture ponds with mangrove forests to balance conservation and improve community livelihoods.
3. Strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration, involving government, universities, and coastal communities in ecosystem-based management.
Dr. Achmad Siddik Thoha emphasized that mangroves not only have ecological functions but also provide direct economic benefits to coastal communities through crab cultivation and ecotourism activities.
USU’s Commitment to Sustainable Coastal Development
Through this research, the USU Faculty of Forestry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting climate-resilient development policies while strengthening scientific foundations for sustainable coastal spatial planning and management in Labuhanbatu Utara Regency.
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