The Value of Mangroves to Domestic Tourists and Local Households in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Environmental valuation studies in developing countries often focus on popular tourist destinations. However, their relevance to less visited sites must also be demonstrated to value and protect diverse natural habitats effectively. This article evaluates the economic value of mangrove tourism services in the Sinjai District of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Data were collected from local households and tourists. Although the annual value of mangrove tourism in the Sinjai District of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, is approximately US32, 000, it significantly lags behind the direct yearly use value of mangrove extraction activities, which totals around US720, 000. These findings highlight the imperative to boost the economic contribution of mangrove tourism as a viable alternative income source to fishing and aquaculture. Enhancing the value of mangrove tourism fosters sustainable development and safeguards critical ecosystems.