The environment is essentially defined as the diversity of all types of resources needed in planning a sustainable life. In this context, the environment is not only about physiologically needed resources but also refers to an act of forming and planning life concepts and plans. Ironically, the nature of the environment in reality describes the concerning condition of lowland forests and mangrove forests. When reviewed again, mangrove ecosystems have a vital function as coastal protection from abrasion caused by tidal waves. In addition, mangrove ecosystems have both indirect and direct benefits. Mangrove forests as a non-  economic value  contribute the following: a) capturing sediment and cleaning chemical content from water coming from the land and flowing into the sea, b) providing nutrients and serving as  nursery areas  for fish and invertebrates in the surrounding area. However, this is not in line with the orientation and practice of preserving mangroves in Indonesia.

Bappenas (1993) explained that approximately one million hectares of mangrove forests in Indonesia began to disappear between 1969 and 1980. Mangrove forests in East Java Province were largely converted for commercial use. This situation triggered 40 percent of the mangrove forest loss in East Java. The eastern coastal area of ​​Surabaya (Parmubaya) is one of the areas indicated to have experienced damage.

The mangrove area in the Parmubaya area has been extensively converted into real estate, brackish water fish farming in the coastal areas of East Surabaya, and industrial areas in North Surabaya. This phenomenon has triggered a decline in coastal environmental quality, disrupting the ecosystem, and rendering more than 50 percent of the area non-functional.

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The ongoing exploitation and conversion of mangrove forest ecosystems in the Sukolilo and Gununganyar Districts of Surabaya City is one factor contributing to the decline in mangrove ecosystem size. This problem is driven by a disoriented approach to mangrove management developed by the Surabaya City Government, which threatens the sustainability of the mangrove forests themselves. The concept of converting Wonorejo mangroves into mangrove ecotourism is inconsistent with environmentally friendly principles.

The development of mangrove ecotourism has, on the other hand, damaged the mangroves in the area. This is due to several factors, including: (a) logging is often carried out on the mangrove species Sonneratia Alba, Avicennia Alba, and Rhizopora Apiculata. These three types of plants have strong roots and are resistant to seawater. (b) minimal control of mangrove planting in ecotourism areas, (c) the facilities and infrastructure developed, such as the sound of boat engines developed for tourists, disturb the habitat of insect-eating birds on the east coast of Surabaya (Parmubaya), (d) the design of ecotourism development does not support local farmers. This phenomenon explains the overlap between the direction of mangrove ecosystem conservation policies and certain goals of group interests in the political system.

Efforts to develop ecotourism appear to be a form of destruction of the mangrove ecosystem in North Surabaya. This has had negative impacts not only on the mangrove ecosystem but also on other ecosystems that depend on it, such as the fish and shrimp ecosystem that uses mangroves as breeding grounds, and the bird ecosystem, both native to Indonesia and internationally that migrate to mangrove trees. Another problem that will arise is the spread of illegal activities by communities that use the area for fish and shrimp ponds. The decline of the mangrove ecosystem on the east coast of Surabaya indicates the failure of the economic system to achieve sustainable resource development.

The mangrove ecosystem has a dual function in the development of sustainable coastal areas, namely ecological and economic functions. Mangroves ecologically act as a breeding ground for aquatic biota and function as a green belt for coastal areas. The existence of the mangrove ecosystem plays a major role in minimizing the impact of abrasion and maintaining environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, viewed from an economic aspect, a series of derivative products from mangroves can be produced, including; (1) processed products: food, drinks, medicines and clothing dyes. (2) Aquatic biotic cultivation centers, so that they can drive the wheels of the coastal economy. Coastal area development must integrate the sustainability of ecological and economic functions.  The blue economy  is a strategic economic model that can be implemented in coastal areas.

The blue economy concept is oriented towards four principles, namely: (a) the strength and potential of the Wonorejo region. (b) the added value of the mangrove ecosystem that can support coastal development. City government policies in coastal areas must be integrated with the conditions of the coastal area. So that the industry developed in the mangrove conservation area is based on fisheries, waters and processed mangrove products in the Wonorejo region. (c) Empowerment is oriented towards strengthening the community's economy at the micro level. The community in this case acts as the subject of development. There is a need to strengthen the capacity, knowledge and skills of coastal community households in mastering production factors in fisheries and forestry areas. Therefore, strengthening the people's economy must be able to touch on strengthening production factors. (d) The principle of sustainability, the concept of development of the East Surabaya coastal area must integrate economic, ecological and social components fairly. Thus, economic growth, community welfare and environmental sustainability are guaranteed.

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 The blue economy model  in coastal area development can be actualized through the  Triple Co approach .  Triple Co  leads to three main principles:  co-ownership,  where coastal areas and mangrove areas are jointly owned by local communities and local governments. This explains that the mangrove ecosystem and coastal areas are a shared responsibility. The development of strategic coastal areas must involve the active role of coastal communities, because without local community support, not only will development fail but also trigger prolonged conflict.  Co-determination , the involvement of stakeholders in the coastal area development planning process.

Coastal communities must act as stakeholders in the development of the coastal areas off the east coast of Surabaya, thereby strengthening networks and supporting capacity to maintain the quality of the coastal environment.  Co-responsibility : Mangrove ecosystem management is not solely the responsibility of the government, but also of coastal communities. The central and regional governments, the business sector, and coastal communities must work together to plan, implement, and oversee the management and utilization of resources within the mangrove ecosystem.

By:  Ayu Dwidyah Rini

Lecturer in the Development Economics Study Program, Trilogi University