Collaborative Blue Carbon Governance through Mangrove Rehabilitation for Sustainable Livelihoods in Cukunyinyi Ecotourism, Pesawaran, Lampung

Abstract

Weak blue carbon governance at the local level constitutes a structural barrier that prevents mangrove ecosystems from realizing their full potential in supporting climate change mitigation and the sustainable livelihoods of coastal communities across Indonesia. This study examines a collaborative blue carbon governance model through mangrove rehabilitation as a strategy for strengthening sustainable livelihoods at Cukunyinyi Ecotourism, Pesawaran Regency, Lampung, employing a descriptive qualitative approach grounded in systematic literature review, with primary data obtained through online in-depth interviews with Cukunyinyi Pokdarwis managers and secondary data comprising regional policy documents and relevant academic literature. Findings reveal that the locally developed guludan rumpun berjarak rehabilitation innovation has demonstrably enhanced coastal ecosystem resilience against abrasion and tidal flooding while generating livelihood benefits for 14–16 coastal households. Importantly, however, the area's long-term sustainability is threatened by three interrelated governance gaps: the absence of mangrove rehabilitation integration in village planning documents, over-dependence on a core Pokdarwis group of only six members, and suboptimal cross-sectoral synchronization at the regional government level. Building on these findings, the study produces a Collaborative Blue Carbon Governance model that integrates multi-actor roles synergistically, reinforced by Internet of Things (IoT)-based digital innovation for adaptive ecosystem monitoring. These results extend collaborative governance frameworks by embedding coastal livelihood dimensions into blue carbon governance systems, while carrying practical implications for strengthening coastal village regulations, building local community capacity, and informing comparative research across mangrove conservation areas throughout Indonesia.